Christmas is our busiest period of the year, mental health charity Turn2Me has said, as it announced a full schedule of free online support groups running throughout the Christmas and New Year period, including on Christmas Day.
Turn2Me, a national mental health charity, said demand for its services rises sharply over the festive season, with many people experiencing loneliness, bereavement, family conflict, financial pressure and increased emotional stress at this time of year.
To meet this surge in need, the charity will host daily themed online support groups at midday from 25 December 2025 to 1 January 2026. The groups are open to adults across Ireland and are free, confidential and facilitated by qualified mental health professionals.
The Christmas support group schedule is as follows, with all sessions taking place at midday:
• 25 December, Christmas Blues
• 26 December, Family Issues
• 27 December, Bereavement
• 28 December, Family Issues
• 29 December, Bereavement
• 30 December, How to Manage Anxiety
• 31 December, Feeling Alone
• 1 January, Feeling Down
Fiona O’Malley, CEO of Turn2Me, said the organisation prepares every year for December and early January to be its busiest period.
“Christmas can be an incredibly difficult time for many people,” she said. “While it is often portrayed as joyful and carefree, the reality is that it can be one of the toughest times of the year for those dealing with loneliness, grief, family tensions or money worries. We want people to know they are not alone and that Turn2Me will be here every day over the festive season, including Christmas Day.”
Alongside the support groups, Turn2Me continues to offer a range of free mental health services to adults living in Ireland. These include up to six one to one counselling sessions, a free meditation programme and the Thought Catcher online mood diary, which allows users to track their thoughts and feelings over time.
Ms O’Malley said the charity’s focus is on making mental health support accessible and stigma free, particularly at times when people may feel under pressure to appear happy.
“Christmas can intensify emotions, and reaching out for help is a sign of strength,” she said. “Whether someone is grieving, feeling overwhelmed by family expectations, or simply feeling low, we encourage them to join our support groups or access our counselling services.”
Turn2Me’s services are available nationwide online at www.turn2me.ie.
