Blue Monday is considered the day of the year when people are most likely to be struggling with their mental health.

This year, the continuing pandemic means that we are all facing additional challenges which, a year ago, we would never have imagined ourselves to be up against.

Our clients feel the challenges of the pandemic very keenly - many face isolation, reduced support services and the prospect of several weeks of freezing weather without warm winter clothing. What's more, many are also coming to terms with trauma as a result of harrowing experiences that caused them to flee their homes or that they encountered on their journey to safety. 

This time of year isn't just associated with gloom, however... we also tend to see this as a time for new beginnings and find ourselves inspired to take on challenges and make changes.

You can help our clients as they face the challenges of displacement and give them hope for their new start in the UK by donating to our Welfare Fund. Your donation could buy some warm winter coats or perhaps mobile credit to help vulnerable people stay connected with their loved ones and the support services they rely on.

Helping others might just help you to beat the gloom yourself, too.

Evidence shows that helping others can benefit our own mental health. So, create happiness for both yourself and others today by sharing and giving - perhaps donate to charity, undertake random acts of kindness or volunteer your time to help those in need.

In the words of A. A. Milne's Eeyore:

"A little consideration, a little thought for others, makes all the difference."