The colder months can weigh on us in ways that aren’t always visible.
For some, winter is joyful, for others, it’s overwhelming. Behind closed doors, many people are struggling with loneliness, financial stress, burnout, lack of sunlight, or mental health challenges that don’t pause for the holidays.
At West Central London Mind, we see the invisible pressures that winter brings. Our Weight of Winter campaign shines a light on these challenges and remind everyone that no one should have to carry them alone.
More people than ever are feeling the weight of winter. The winter season can bring expectations, loneliness, financial strain, and emotional stress.
UK workers experience burnout over the festive period
of adults reported feeling lonelier during the winter months than at any other time
Brits say their mental health declines over Christmas due to financial, social, and family pressures
working hours lost each year to Seasonal Affective Disorder
In 2024, we supported over 22,000 people across our local community, and demand for our services continues to grow.
Mental health doesn’t take a holiday. Right now, someone in our community is struggling. Help us be there when it matters most.
When Iva first heard about West Central London Mind, she was struggling with depression and often found it hard to leave the house. During a visit to her GP, a nurse mentioned a local gardening group run by WCL Mind and something about it clicked.
“I really liked the sound of it,” she said. “It gave me a reason to get outside again.”
After years of feeling isolated, joining the Fig Tree Gardening Group helped Iva reconnect with others and rebuild her confidence. “It’s a peaceful space with lovely people,” she said. “Even in the cold weather, it felt good to be out doing something meaningful.”
Over time, her confidence grew. She started taking part in creative courses and soon had activities to look forward to every week. “It all started with gardening,” she said.
In 2024, Iva began volunteering at London Zoo. “From my first visit, it just felt like home,” she said. “Gardening gave me purpose again.”
Encouraged by her progress, Iva applied for a role at the zoo. After a few tries, she was offered a six-month groundskeeping job. “It’s hard work, but it’s proved to me that I can do it,” she said.
Her advice to others? “Take it slowly. Do one small thing each day like a garden, it grows.”
This winter, your generosity can make a real difference.
A donation of £15 could help connect someone feeling suicidal with our community wellbeing programmes, offering hope, connection, and life-changing support.
Your gift will help us continue to provide vital services for those who need them most, from crisis support to counselling, employment services, and youth programmes.
The festive period can be one of the hardest times of year for employees and communities alike. Partner with us this winter to make a meaningful difference.
Your support can help ensure that no one faces the weight of winter alone.
Throughout the campaign, we’ll be sharing tips, advice, and support to help you look after your mental health and the wellbeing of those around you, through winter and beyond.
You can stay updated with our campaign on social media Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Tiktok.
Follow us on social media and join the conversation using #TheWeightOfWinter.
