Mental Health Connecticut Releases Second Edition of Winter Wellness Toolkit, Presented by Nutmeg State Financial Credit Union
Farmington, Conn. — December 5, 2025 — Mental Health Connecticut (MHC) has released the second edition of its Winter Wellness Toolkit, a free, digital guide designed to help individuals and families navigate the winter season. The 2025–2026 edition is presented by Nutmeg State Financial Credit Union, whose financial wellness expertise is featured in the toolkit.
“Winter can be especially challenging for mental health, from shorter days and colder weather to financial strain and holiday stress,” said Luis B Pérez, LCSW, President and CEO at Mental Health Connecticut. “Our Winter Wellness Toolkit offers practical, actionable information and tools to support well-being, and we’re proud to partner with Nutmeg to expand the toolkit with critical financial wellness resources.”
“Financial stress can directly impact our mental health, especially in the winter when families are juggling heating bills, holiday spending, and unexpected expenses,” said John Holt, CEO at Nutmeg State Financial Credit Union. “In 2026, we’re celebrating 90 years of commitment to our communities. We are proud to partner with MHC to build stronger tomorrows by offering useful financial tools coupled with mental health resources. Together, our hope is that people feel more secure, informed, and supported this season and during all of life’s moments.”
This year’s toolkit includes 50 pages of information, stories, and interactive worksheets covering topics such as:
Tips for Financial Wellbeing, such as budgeting strategies, recovering from holiday spending, and setting realistic financial goals
Technology and mental health, including how social media impacts adults and youth
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): symptoms, causes, treatments, and self-care strategies
Loneliness: the growing “epidemic,” who is most impacted, and concrete tips for building connection
Suicide prevention, including warning signs, evidence-based interventions, and national and Connecticut-specific resources
Practical tools such as a “Planning Your Cozy Winter” reflection sheet, decision maps for finding mental health care, a caregiver self-care worksheet, and more
The toolkit also highlights local resources and programs, including MHC’s free Art of Wellbeing Studio in Hartford, community partners addressing loneliness, and statewide mental health providers and hotlines.
In celebration, MHC is hosting a Winter Wellness Weekly Raffle for anyone who downloads the toolkit to receive prizes such as theater tickets, museum passes, craft workshops, and other cozy winter experiences.
To enter, individuals can download the toolkit, scan the QR code on the second page, and complete a short survey. Winners are selected weekly on Fridays at noon (while supplies last), and each person is limited to one prize.
About Mental Health Connecticut
Mental Health Connecticut's (MHC) mission is to partner with individuals, families, and communities to create environments that support long-term health and wellness. Established by Clifford Beers in 1908, MHC is committed to the mental health and wellness of all Connecticut residents through advocacy, education, and service. Mental Health Connecticut (MHC) is proud to be CARF-accredited and a Platinum Level Bell Seal recipient from Mental Health America, recognizing our commitment to workplace mental health. We have also been honored with the Hartford Courant Top Workplace Award, the USA Today Top Workplace Award, and the Top Workplace Award in the Nonprofit Industry category. For more information about MHC, go to: www.mhconn.org
About Nutmeg State Financial Credit Union
Nutmeg State Financial Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative serving individuals and families across Connecticut. Since 1936, Nutmeg has provided accessible, member-focused financial services, including checking and savings accounts, personal and small business loans, credit cards, and specialized programs like HOPE Program and Working Wheels that support financial stability and inclusion. Nutmeg is committed to helping members achieve their financial goals at every stage of life. Learn more at NutmegStateFCU.org.
Media Contact:
Bethany Simmonds
Senior Director of Advancement, Mental Health Connecticut
Email: bsimmonds@mhconn.org
Phone: 860-801-0239