As the festive season winds down, many of us are basking in the afterglow of friendships renewed. But not everyone shares in the good cheer. For some, Christmas and the turn of the year bring a heightened sense of loneliness.

Most of us experience feelings of loneliness at some point in our lives, and it doesn’t necessarily depend on how many people are close by. It might be because we spend more time by ourselves than we want, or because we feel emotionally disconnected from the people around us.

If you are struggling with isolation, you might increasingly cut yourself off from other people, but it’s important to try and stay connected with your community or find activities where you can meet people who have the same interests as you. Doing things with others is proven to have a positive impact on your mental health.

HSE national director for mental health services, Ms Anne O’Connor, said: “Heading into the New Year can bring new opportunities but it can be a little bit daunting too. Our Little Things campaign to promote positive mental health was designed to remind all of us of the simple and powerful day-to-day steps that we can all take to protect our own mental health and support the people we care about. Getting involved in activities you enjoy can really make a difference to how we feel. Just making a small step to see what’s out there can bring huge rewards.”

The first step doesn’t have to be a big one. If you can manage it, why not chat with someone you trust, tell them how you have been feeling and ask about ways to get more connected locally? Libraries, local VECs, parish newsletters and notice boards in shops can be a great source of information about what’s happening in your area.

You might decide to join a group, a club or get involved with a community activity. You can go back to education or learn something new by signing up for a course. Taking part in a local action cause or political group is a good way to have your say and others may benefit from your contribution.

Men’s sheds themselves can be a powerful corrective for feelings of loneliness or isolation. Connecting with others in your community, having your skills valued and meeting new people in a pressure-free environment can all make a big difference to how you feel day-to-day.

Combating loneliness was foremost in Sean McLoughlin’s mind when he founded Ballinteer Men’s Shed in 2017.

“There’s a lack of community facilities in the area, particularly for older men,” he notes. “The main thing is to create a safe environment for men to chat and share skills, men who might be retired or who have dropped out of the community in some way.”

Sean found that the shed quickly helped reduce isolation amongst members: “Two of the men who come to the shed have lived on the same street as one another for 40 years but had never said hello. Within a couple of weeks of joining the shed, they’d become friends.”

There are lots of simple ways to help others – from volunteering or visiting an elderly neighbour who lives alone, to helping a friend with work in their garden or house. Go to the Volunteer Ireland website on www.volunteer.ie for information on things you can do throughout the country, and check out www.menssheds.ie/shed-directory/ to find your local shed.