Winter Wellbeing Conversations brought to you with support from Betsi Cadwalladr Health Board.
Winter can be a challenging time for many people across Conwy County and the wider North Wales Coast. Colder weather, darker days and ongoing cost-of-living pressures can affect both physical and mental wellbeing – particularly for older residents, families, carers, young adults and those feeling isolated.
This winter, Bayside Radio is working alongside local partners to help make sure people know what support is available, where to find it, and how to access help early. Through regular on-air features and online resources, the aim is simple: practical help, local voices and clear information – without stigma.
Warm Spaces and Warm Hubs
If you’re struggling to keep warm at home, you’re not alone. Across Conwy there are Warm Spaces offering a safe, welcoming place to sit, socialise and stay warm – often with free hot drinks and activities.
Warm spaces are hosted by community centres, libraries, churches and voluntary groups. Many are free to access and don’t require booking.
Find a Warm Space near you: Conwy County Borough Council: https://www.conwy.gov.uk/warmspaces
Conwy Voluntary Services Council (CVSC): https://www.cvsc.org.uk Phone: 01492 544091
Blue Turtle Hub and Warm Space. Drop in at 15-17 Madoc Street, Llandudno
Help with Food and Essentials
Rising food costs continue to put pressure on household budgets. Local food banks, community fridges and low-cost food schemes are available across the county.
Support is available whether you need short-term emergency help or longer-term assistance.
Support services include: Conwy Food Bank – https://conwy.foodbank.org.uk
Community Fridges and Pantries – listed via CVSC https://www.cvsc.org.uk
Citizens Advice Conwy – https://www.citizensadviceconwy.org.uk Phone 0300 123 5055
Colwyn Bay Community Hwb and Foodbank, 9 Rhiw Road, Colwyn Bay Phone 01492 330780 https://www.facebook.com/ColwynBayCommunityHwb/
Crest Foodshare Scheme, Crest, Brierley House, Ferry Farm Road, Llandudno Junction Phone 01492 596783 https://www.crestcooperative.co.uk/crest-foodshare/
Money, Bills and Budgeting Support
Financial worries can quickly affect mental health, especially during winter. Bayside Radio’s Money Matters in Minutes features signpost trusted, confidential advice on energy bills, debt and budgeting, housing worries, employment and training support.
Local help includes: Citizens Advice Conwy – 0300 123 5055
StepChange Debt Charity – https://www.stepchange.org Phone 0800 138 1111
Advicelink Cymru – https://www.advicelinkcymru.org.uk
Transport and Getting Out This Winter
Staying connected is vital for wellbeing. If transport is a barrier, there may be help available.
Local community transport schemes, bus passes and concessionary travel, lift-sharing and volunteer driver schemes
Find out more: Conwy Community Transport – via CVSC https://www.cvsc.org.uk
Transport for Wales – https://tfw.wales
Mental Health and Wellbeing Support
If winter is affecting your mood, anxiety or stress levels, support is available – whether you need urgent help or just someone to talk to.
24/7 support: NHS 111 (press 2 for mental health support in Wales)
Local and national services: CALL Mental Health Helpline – 0800 132 737 or text 81066
Samaritans – 116 123
Mind – https://www.mind.org.uk
Conwy Mind https://www.conwymind.org.uk/ Phone 01492 879907
The Five Ways to Wellbeing – Winter Edition
Throughout winter, Bayside Radio’s “Take Five on Bayside” mini-series focuses on the NHS-endorsed Five Ways to Wellbeing:
Connect – check in on a neighbour or join a local group
Be Active – short winter walks or gentle movement indoors
Give – volunteering, donating or offering time
Keep Learning – free local courses or trying something new
Take Notice – slowing down, noticing nature, mindfulness
Each week includes simple, winter-friendly tips and links to local activities you can try.
Warm Conversations – Real Voices, Real Stories
Isolation can make winter feel harder. Bayside Radio’s Warm Conversations feature local residents, volunteers and support workers sharing lived experiences.
These short interviews help normalise asking for help and remind listeners that support exists right here in our communities.
Try It This Week
Every week, Bayside Radio encourages listeners to take part in a small, achievable wellbeing challenge, such as:
attending a free community event, walking part of a journey, checking in on someone nearby, trying a new local group
Small steps can make a big difference.
You’re Not Alone This Winter
Winter pressures are real – but so is the support across Conwy County and the North Wales Coast. Whether you’re listening live, catching up online or sharing information with someone else, Bayside Radio is here to help keep our communities informed, connected and supported through the colder months.
If you or someone you know needs help, reach out early – support is available.
