Confronting Seasonal Affective Disorder and the Winter Mood Dip
Winter can be more than just a chill in the air. For two million people in the UK each year, the season brings Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or a noticeable drop in mood that affects daily life. Even for those without a formal diagnosis, many experience lower energy, reduced motivation, and a sense of heaviness during the darker months. If you’re a manager, team leader, or someone looking after staff wellbeing, recognizing these patterns is the first step toward meaningful support.
The good news is that there are practical, evidence-informed ways to protect mental health as the days shorten. Our Banish the Winter Blues workshop offers simple, actionable techniques that individuals and teams can use to find solace in the solstice, warmth in winter, and comfort in the cold. It’s designed to be accessible, engaging, and non-clinical, providing tools that can be applied in the workplace or at home.
What you’ll learn in this free 45-minute online session
The workshop focuses on a practical mix of mindset strategies, daily routines, and supportive workplace practices. You’ll walk away with:
- easy-to-implement routines for morning light, movement, and mood-boosting activities
- brief grounding exercises and breathing techniques to reduce stress during the workday
- tips for creating a warmer, more supportive workplace culture in the winter months
- simple ways to help colleagues and staff feel seen, heard, and valued
Designed for accessibility, the content avoids jargon and is suitable for all levels of mental health awareness. It’s not about medical treatment but about practical steps that improve wellbeing and productivity during the darker season.
Meet the trainer: Mark Willis
Mark Willis has delivered mental health training for thirteen years. He spent nine years as lead trainer and Training Manager at York Mind, a respected charity focused on community mental health. Since 2024, Mark has been self-employed, expanding his reach to help more organisations support staff wellbeing. His approach blends evidence-based practices with real-world applicability, making mental health skills easy to adopt in busy workplaces.
Session details and how to sign up
The Banish the Winter Blues session will be delivered online via a dedicated webinar on 31 October 2025, 1:00 pm – 1:45 pm. For those who cannot attend during the day, a second session will be held on a November evening. Both sessions aim to accommodate diverse schedules while keeping the content concise and impactful.
Signing up is simple. Please contact us via email or phone, and you’ll receive a link to join. There’s no cost to participate, and you can share the invitation with colleagues who may benefit. This is an excellent opportunity to invest in mental well-being before winter deepens and days grow shorter.
Why this workshop matters for you and your staff
Winter mood dips affect productivity, engagement, and overall morale. By providing practical tools, you empower your team to:
- maintain energy levels and focus despite shorter days
- support colleagues who might be struggling with mood changes
- cultivate a more compassionate and resilient workplace culture
Ultimately, the goal is to find light in the darker months and create a more supportive environment where mental health is acknowledged and nurtured all year round.
Secure your place today
Slots are limited, and spaces fill quickly. If you want to take a proactive step toward better winter well-being for yourself or your staff, sign up while slots remain. Reach out via the provided email or phone number to receive your joining link and a brief reminder as the session approaches.
