Categories: Mental Health & Wellbeing

Banish the Winter Blues: Free Mental Wellbeing Workshop for Staff

Banish the Winter Blues: Free Mental Wellbeing Workshop for Staff

Confronting Seasonal Mood Changes

Every winter, millions face the short days, chilly air, and reduced sunlight that can dampen mood and energy. In the UK, around two million people are diagnosed with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) each year, while many more experience a general lowering of spirits. The Banish the Winter Blues workshop offers a practical, compassionate approach to maintaining mental wellbeing during the darker months. Delivered as a free, 45-minute online session, this program is designed for individuals and workplaces alike, helping staff find solace in the solstice, warmth in winter, and comfort in the cold.

What You’ll Learn

The session combines evidence-based techniques with practical strategies you can apply in daily life and the workplace. Attendees will explore:
– How light and routine influence mood, energy, and motivation
– Simple, science-backed activities to boost wellbeing during short days
– Coping strategies for stress, anxiety, and mood dips
– Techniques to foster a supportive workplace culture around mental health

The Session Details

The workshop will be delivered online via a special webinar on 31 October 2025, from 1:00 PM to 1:45 PM. A repeat session is scheduled for a November evening to accommodate those who cannot attend during the day. The concise format ensures you can participate without taking significant time away from work responsibilities.

Meet the Trainer

Mark Willis brings thirteen years of mental health training experience to this program. With nine years as lead trainer and Training Manager at York Mind, he has since been working as a self-employed trainer since 2024. His approach blends practical techniques with a compassionate understanding of how seasonal changes impact mental health, making this workshop suitable for a wide audience in various work settings.

Why This Workshop Works

Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all solution, this free session focuses on actionable steps that people can implement immediately. By equipping staff with strategies to manage winter mood shifts, employers can foster a more resilient, productive, and emotionally aware workplace. The content is relevant for teams in education, healthcare, retail, offices, and remote settings.

How to Sign Up

Joining is simple. Reach out via email or phone, and you’ll receive a link to the webinar. There is no cost to participate, and you can attend alone or register as part of a team. Seats are limited, so it’s wise to sign up while slots remain.

What Attendees Can Expect After the Session

Participants will leave with practical tools they can apply immediately, plus a better understanding of how wintertime mood changes affect wellbeing. Employers gain a blueprint for supporting staff through the darker months, including suggestions for mindful breaks, light exposure tips, and peer-support ideas that reinforce a positive mental health culture.

Take the First Step Toward Winter Wellbeing

Improving the mental health of you or your staff this winter can create a brighter, more productive season. If you’re looking for light in the darker months, this free webinar is a practical starting point. Sign up now to reserve your place and begin the journey toward greater resilience this winter.