Winter can be a challenging time for many people in our city. As the weather gets colder, the evenings draw in earlier, and the pressure of heating costs rises, it’s common for mood, motivation and connection to take a dip.
This article brings together some insights with practical help available , so you can find what feels right for you this winter.
Emotional Wellbeing: Looking After Your Mind When Days Get Darker
Many people feel their mood dip in winter. Shorter days, financial pressures, less social time and routine changes can have a real impact.
Small actions that help us stay grounded:
- keeping a predictable daily rhythm
- adding small “anchors” like warm drinks, low-effort hobbies or favourite music
- planning simple things to look forward to
- using nature images or houseplants to brighten your space
- reading something uplifting or slow-paced
- calling a friend during the week
- visiting warm, welcoming community spaces
UOK partners run a huge range of free or low-cost groups — from creative workshops to wellbeing walks and peer support. You’re welcome to join in even if you’re feeling unsure or low.
Food Support in the Community:
This is a live dashboard of useful info for referrers and people needing food support from December to January.
For Brighton & Hove, it includes food project opening times and festive meal events: The Food Partnership Winter Info Guide 2025
East Sussex directory with information about Food Banks, Community Food Hubs, and Soup Kitchens: https://1space.eastsussex.gov.uk/Search?CategoryId=334&SM=ServiceSearch&UDG=True&SME=True
Warm Spaces in the Community:
You can find your nearest Warm Welcome Space by searching this online map. The map enables you to search by your location and will show you all the local Warm Welcome Spaces close to where you live. You’ll find details about when the Space is open and the activities on offer.
https://www.warmwelcome.uk/find-a-space#map
Staying Warm at Home: Practical Support for Heating, Bills & Safety
If you’re struggling with financial issues, Money Advice Plus (a UOK partner) offers a wide range of support exclusively for Brighton & Hove residents.
1. Warmth and Wellbeing
If you’re finding it hard to heat your home, you may be eligible for:
- specialist debt advice
- grants to help with fuel bills
To get help, complete this referral form, or call: 0300 304 8004
2. Just About Managing (JAM) Support
For people who are employed or self-employed in Brighton & Hove:
- welfare benefits advice
- specialist debt advice
- grants for unexpected costs (eligibility applies)
📞 0800 988 7037
Tues: 5–7pm
Thurs: 12–2pm
If phone lines are busy, you can request a callback using their referral form.
3. SGN Financial Resilience Project
For people who are:
- care leavers, or
- living in temporary or insecure housing, or
- employed/self-employed
This project offers:
- budgeting & money management support
- help cutting household costs
- income maximisation
- signposting to debt & benefits advice
- a £200 energy grant for eligible clients
- 1-to-1 or group workshops
To learn more, complete the SGN referral form.
Tiny Winter Wellbeing Tools You Can Try Today
People told us that the small things often help the most. Here are a few ideas:
- Start a “10-minute grounding” routine — stretching, stepping outside, writing, or breathing
- Create a mini wellbeing box with comforting items
- Read one uplifting news story (Positive News is free)
- Add a simple houseplant to brighten your room
- Take a short walk and pay attention to the winter light
- Put up a picture of nature — research shows it can lift mood
Brighton & Hove City Council has produced a helpful guide bringing together key local and national support for people needing help with energy, food and cost of living. You can download it using the button below:
Below is Brighton & Hove City Council’s guide to staying safe and well in the cold weather, and looking after friends and family in your community.
Financial Resilience Packs
If you would like to receive a financial resilience pack in the form of a pdf delivered to your inbox, fill in the form below and someone from the Money Advice Plus team will be in touch with you.
Whatever you’re dealing with — emotional, social, financial, physical or mental health pressures — you don’t have to manage it alone.
