Support in the winter holidays

Christmas Day buffet

If you are staying in halls over the break, pop across to Princess Alice Court on Christmas Day at 6pm on 25 December for a buffet! Email socialreps@derby.ac.uk to let them know you are coming! 

Volunteering

Volunteering can be a great way to meet new people and is also very rewarding. For all kinds of opportunities take a look at the following organisations:

• Doit is a UK-wide database.
• Community Action Derby
• Derby City Mission
• The Salvation Army

Warm Welcome is a charity which encourages connection by listing spaces across the region where you will find a friendly face, and opportunities for social connection in the community. There's a map that shows 'warm spaces' across the area.

There are some great online Peer Support groups where you can meet like-minded people over Zoom and face-to-face. Group themes include Managing Wellbeing, Men’s Group, LGBT Mental Health, Women’s Group, and Creative Links. More information is available at Peer Support.

There’s plenty to get you out and about locally if you feel the need for some entertainment:

Festive Derby Light Trail

Enjoy the Festive Derby Light Trail from Sat 30 Nov to Tue 31 Dec. Wander through Derby from The Spot to Cathedral Green where an array of stunning light installations lights up the city.

He’s behind you! Oh no he isn’t!

This time of year would not be complete without a bit of panto! Catch Cinderella from 6 to 31 December at the Derby Arena.

Perhaps Charles Dickens is your thing! you can catch A Christmas Carol from 22 Nov to 11 Feb at the Derby Theatre or Chicken Licken from 5 Dec to 4 Jan.

Festive skating

Get your skates on at the Cathedral Quarter Ice Rink from 30 Nov to 31 Dec at Derby Market Place and you might like to grab a drink by the fire pit in a Nordic Bar in a festive tipple.

Christmas Carols

For something traditional, how about a Christmas Carol Service at Derby Cathedral on 20 Dec.

Artcore Gallery's Christmas Party

Artcore Gallery’s Annual Christmas Party on Thursday 19 Dec, 4pm - 6pm, is a free event that invites the entire community to come together and enjoy a festive evening filled with food, art and music.

You can find all these events and much, much more at the following links:

• Festive Derby
• Derby Live
• Visit Derby

Explore the Peak District

Fancy an adventure? Great public transport links offer the possibility to explore other cities and the beautiful towns and villages of the Peak District.

Wrap up warm and head underground for a tour with festive lights in Poole's Cavern, Buxton from 30 Nov to 5 Jan. Or perhaps take a stroll around Calke Abbey (very popular to blow away the cobwebs on New Year's Day).

For lots of ideas visit The Peaks at Christmas.

Christmas markets

Whilst Derby has plenty to offer, if you hop on a train to Birmingham, the famous Christmas market is a feast for the senses as the largest authentic German market in the UK running annually from 1 Nov to 24 Dec.

Nottingham offers its own seasonal markets from 13 Nov to 31 Dec.

For more ideas see:

• Visit Birmingham
• Visit Nottinghamshire

The holidays are a time to indulge in festive treats. But on a tight budget it can be a challenge. However, with a bit of planning and some clever recipes, you can still enjoy a delicious and festive holiday season without breaking the bank.

The following sites offer a fantastic collection of budget-friendly festive recipes that are sure to satisfy. Check out Budget Christmas Recipes and Student recipes for inspiration, with Save the Student and Student Eats offering great guides for keeping down costs.   

Tips for staying positive around food over the holidays

Do what works for you

Holidays are tricky for several reasons; food can be one of them. The first and foremost thing you can remember to try is to do whatever works for you. Baby steps are still progress!

Don’t focus on the numbers

Be it carbs, calories, or the number on the scale – the holidays are full of things that could be triggering. Try allowing yourself some space from those numbers, even if that's just temporarily.

Focus on your plate, no one else’s

Having control over what you do/don’t eat can help you feel more secure. Try not to pay too much to anyone else's plate except your own!

Set boundaries around family / friends.

Explaining ahead of time if you would like loved ones to keep their opinions to themselves can be tricky. However, if you feel safe to do so, it can make going into holiday mealtimes a little less stressful. Boundaries are good!

Give yourself extra love and kindness

Whether you follow any of the above tips or not, the important thing to try and remember is that you deserve kindness, especially at this time of year. Make it your personal gift to yourself to be kind and empathetic – you deserve it!

If you struggle with food at this time of year, or more generally, and want support with this please reach out to your local services.

We also recommend checking out BEAT. BEAT is a nationwide service that can offer information, guidance and support. They run helplines that are available if you need 1:1 support or have questions or queries you’d like to discuss.

Check out their opening times on their website.

The winter break is the perfect time to unwind and recharge with some great films. Grab some popcorn, wrap up in a duvet, and escape with one of the classics or a hidden gems. We all have our own idea of what makes the perfect movie but here's some inspiration:

• Rotten Tomatoes
• IMDB

How about BOB! The University of Derby Library gives you access to an enormous range of on-demand recordings covering 65 TV and radio channels.

• Go to the university library home page
• Click on the 'Databases' button
• Scroll down till you find ‘BoB – Box of Broadcasts'
• Click the link

You can now look at the TV guide or get inspiration with a search such as 'greatest ever Christmas movies' or 'Home Alone' and binge-watch to your heart's content! There's also a BoB - Box of Broadcasts tile on UDo.

Have a watch party

Teleparty allows you to watch TV remotely with that long-distance special someone. It synchronizes video playback and adds group chat to your favourite streaming sites.

Derby has a rich live music scene with something to suit every taste from intimate gigs to larger concerts. The Hairy Dog is a cosy venue that offers rock, indie, and acoustic acts and The Flowerpot is popular for everything from folk, blues, indie, rock with regular tribute acts such as Slade UK on 18 Dec (bring your earplugs!)

See Derby's gigantic page for upcoming events.

If you prefer some chill-out time to yourself, check out Money Saving Experts' tips for free streaming services.

Create a playlist to fit your mood

Need some inspiration?

• Michael Bublé – His Christmas album is a classic for the festive season, full of cosy, nostalgic tunes that will get you in the holiday spirit.
• Sufjan Stevens – Songs for Christmas is a beautifully arranged collection of holiday songs with a unique, indie twist.
• John Legend - A Legendary Christmas provides smooth, soulful renditions of holiday classics perfect for relaxing evenings.

For advice on housing matters across the region, you can approach your local authority housing advice service.

• P3 is a charity operating in Derbyshire which offers support for people experiencing homelessness.
• Within the city, Derby City Council provides information regarding housing options if you are at risk of homelessness. Note that the duty to assist will vary depending on individual circumstances.
• Derventio is a charity that helps people who are struggling with their housing situation.
• Derby City Mission supports people in the city faced with homelessness with an initiative called Safe Spaces.
• Derby City Life Links provides information on organisations that can offer advice and support in relation to housing issues.
• Shelter is a national charity which provides guidance in relation to housing matters.
• Homeless Link is a national resource with a 'Find a Service' function that can help you search for local organisations.

Urgent help if you are in crisis

If you need help with an urgent mental health crisis you should seek immediate expert advice and assessment by:

• Requesting an urgent appointment with your GP
• Getting advice by calling 111 and selecting the mental health option
• Calling the Derbyshire Mental Health Support Line on 0800 028 0077

Derby and Derbyshire Emotional Health and Wellbeing also has useful advice on emotional health and wellbeing and details of Safe Havens with the opening times.

It can be very helpful to create a 'Safety Plan' if you are worried about your mental health. Advice is available at Staying Safe.

If you do not feel able to keep yourself safe and are at serious risk of self-harm you should:

• Call 999
• Go to A&E or an urgent treatment centre

Travelling Home Safely at Christmas

Whether you're catching a train, hopping on a bus, or driving back yourself, it’s important to plan ahead to ensure a safe and stress-free journey.

Here's a guide to help you navigate the various modes of transportation during the Christmas period.

Train Travel: Plan Ahead

Many students use railcards to save on fares, so make sure your railcard is valid and bring it with you to avoid fines.

Top tips:

• Book in advance: Christmas is one of the busiest times for rail travel. Check timetables early, as some services may be reduced or changed due to holiday schedules.
• Travel off-peak: If possible, try to travel during quieter periods, such as early morning or mid-afternoon.
• Stay safe: Be aware of your belongings and avoid overcrowded carriages. If you're travelling alone, sit in a busy carriage for safety.

Useful National Rail links:

• Christmas and New Year Travel 24/25 Summary
• Safe Train Travel Guide
• Railway Guardian App

Bus and Coach Travel: Affordable but Time-Consuming

National Express and Megabus offer routes that connect Derby to cities across the UK.

Top tips:

• Check timetables and book early: Seats can fill up quickly, so booking ahead ensures you get a place. Some routes may only run at a reduced frequency, so plan carefully.
• Pack snacks and entertainment: Coach journeys can be long, so bring food, water, and something to keep you occupied—whether it’s music, a book, or a podcast.
• Be prepared for delays: With winter weather potentially affecting roads, give yourself extra time to get to your destination and keep an eye on service updates.

Useful links:

• Metropolitan Police's Travel Safe guide
• Walk Easy's tips for staying safe on public transport

Driving: Stay Safe on the Roads

If you're driving home, make sure your car is prepared for winter conditions. Before setting off, check your car’s tyre pressure, fluid levels, and ensure you have an emergency kit onboard (including a first-aid kit, blankets, snacks, and water).

Top tips:

• Avoid last-minute departures: Traffic can be heavy on the roads, especially the days before Christmas and after the holiday. Try to travel at quieter times to avoid congestion.
• Check weather forecasts: Keep an eye on weather warnings and road closures. If conditions are too dangerous, consider delaying your trip or using public transport as an alternative.
• Plan your route: If you’re unfamiliar with your route, use apps like Google Maps, AA road or Waze for live traffic updates and alternative routes.

Useful links:

• RAC's Driving Home for Christmas safety tips
• Select Car Leasing's Top 12 Christmas Driving Tips

Although this season may offer some time to enjoy ourselves, it can also present some challenges. We have compiled advice and resources to help you stay safe and well over the break. Supporting positive mental health, planning ahead and knowing where to turn for help should the need arise.

Mental health

Why this time of year might be difficult:

• Not being able to celebrate in the way that we feel we should
• Disruption of our normal routines
• Feeling pressure or stress due to expectations
• Difficult memories, situations, relationships or loneliness

Tips for coping

• Be gentle and patient with yourself. Think about what's best for your wellbeing and prioritise what you need
• Remind yourself that things will go back to normal very soon. Set your own 'start' and 'finish' time for what counts as the festive season
• Set your own boundaries and try to say no to things that aren't helpful for you
• Remember that your feelings are valid even if they don't match what's going on around you
• Take time out. Do something that you enjoy to distract yourself from difficult thoughts. Watch a film, read a book, listen to music, go for a walk
• Give yourself permission to have the things you need such as a little bit of quiet time
• Remember the 90-second rule – don't give energy to a feeling and it will start to fade
• Reach out to the various talking and support services listed below

Useful resources:

The Talk Campus App is an online support network available to University of Derby students. It enables you to chat anonymously in a moderated space with fellow students who may share similar experiences and appreciate the challenges you may be dealing with. It is available 24/7 as a place to seek advice and includes a helpline. The service is available in 26 different languages.

Student Space is provided by Student Minds, the UK's student mental health charity. The website offers advice and information to help you through the challenges of student life. It also provides details for a text service which links you to trained volunteers 24/7 so that you can talk anonymously and confidentially about mental health concerns and challenges that you may be facing. 

Samaritans is a national charity that has trained volunteers on hand to provide mental health and emotional support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It is completely anonymous and confidential. Talking through your thoughts and feelings can be helpful and it is there for anyone whether you are in a crisis or just need someone to talk through a situation with. You can call the service on 116 123 (freephone), email: jo@samaritans.org, or go to the website.

Shout is a free text message service that is available 24/7 to talk to trained volunteers. To start a conversation, text the word ‘Shout’ to 85258 and further information is available on the website.

Side by Side is an online community hosted by Mind, a mental health charity. It provides a space to connect with others over shared experiences in a supportive, moderated environment where you can listen, share and be heard. 

Mind is a national mental health charity that provides useful resources and advice in relation to a range of mental health issues. The infoline 0300 102 1234 is available Monday to Friday 9am - 6pm (except Bank Holidays). It is not a crisis service but advisors can listen and help you to find the support you need. 

If you are a carer, advice is available to help manage the challenges of looking after others. The NHS provides a social care and support guide and Carers UK includes an advice line and email service at advice@carersuk.org.

The Derbyshire Carers Association has a helpful website that includes a wide range of information and online support meetings.

Family Support Derbyshire is a charity based in Derby that supports vulnerable parents through a team of volunteers to help them gain skills and confidence.

With constant advertisements bombarding us, the pressure to spend can feel overwhelming and money can feel stretched.

There are tips and resources that may be useful to help make the budget go further at Save the Student and Money Saving Expert.

Top tips include:

• Set a budget and stick to it – it can be tempting to go over the top on presents and leave ourselves short
• Mutually agree to opt out of gifts – if funds are low be honest with your friends and loved ones. We've all been there, avoid putting pressure on yourself to spend
• Prioritise the important items – make sure bills and rent are covered before you splurge
• Look out for student discounts
• Speak up if you are struggling. Don't let things get out of control. Advice is available from Student Money Advisors with details at Student Life or email SMART@derby.ac.uk. Or you can go to UDo and search 'money' to find lots more information.