People in East Ayrshire encouraged to look after themselves this Christmas

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A charity that supports people in East Ayrshire with challenges relating to drugs and alcohol is encouraging residents to look after themselves this Christmas.WithYou says that many people put themselves under too much pressure at this time of year - and it can be dangerous.Every year, the charity supports more than 14,000 people in Scotland, as well as their families and friends.Chris Bermingham, service manager in East Ayrshire, explained: “Whether it’s worrying about money, being tempted to use substances at a party, or turning to alcohol to cope with everything that’s going on, we know that many people can find themselves in harmful situations over the festive season.“The pressure to join in and have ‘the perfect Christmas’ can create new challenges, or exacerbate existing challenges, around drugs and alcohol.”As well as supporting people through local services across Scotland, WithYou runs a Webchat service which offers free, confidential advice on issues relating to drugs and alcohol.The WithYou Webchat is staffed by a specialised team of 36 advisors, staff from across the charity who are trained to offer brief interventions, advice, signposting and emotional support.The team can also help individuals develop specific plans for how they will cope at parties and other social events, where temptation might be an issue.Alain Saum, operations manager at WithYou, will be offering advice through Webchat over Christmas.She said: “This year, I want to remind people in East Ayrshire to look after themselves at Christmas.

If you do need someone to speak to, please get in touch through our free Webchat service.“You can chat with us while preparing your Christmas pudding, wrapping presents or visiting family.