MENTAL health charity Aware has started to deliver a free Life Skills programme which will be delivered in 26 locations across the country including Donegal.
The group programme, based on principles of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is ideal for people who are ready to learn new ways to deal with life’s challenges, and online application is available now on www.aware.ie
Developed by Dr. Chris Williams, Professor of Psychological Medicine at the University of Glasgow and recognised expert in CBT, the programme is delivered in six 90-minute group sessions over six consecutive weeks.
Some of the topics covered in the programme include recognising and controlling unhelpful thought patterns; building self-esteem and identifying behaviours in life that can lead to problems.
Speaking about the new programme, Dr. Claire Hayes, Clinical Director of Aware said, “This is a brilliant opportunity for people to benefit from an established approach to dealing with difficulties which we may all face in life.
“One-to-one CBT sessions can cost more than €80 each and there are waiting lists of up to one year for these in many areas: it is really good news that Aware is able to provide this free group programme using principles of CBT, and independent research* found that many people who complete the Life Skills programme said that it has had a very positive impact on their life.
“We hope that many people across the country will take this opportunity to make positive changes in their life.”
Aware’s Life Skills programme is proudly supported by the fundraising efforts of 15,000 Tesco staff and their customers nationwide, through the Tesco Charity of the Year partnership 2013. For further information on the programme, locations and application form see www.aware.ie
More information:
Who is the programme aimed at?
The programme is aimed at individuals who are experiencing mild to moderate depression, stress and/or anxiety and who can commit to attending one session per week for six weeks.
How many sessions are there?
There are six sessions – one session per week for six consecutive weeks, except in the case of Monday sessions, when Bank Holidays will be skipped.
How long do sessions last?
Each session lasts 90 minutes.
Will I have to discuss personal issues and problems?
All attendees will have opportunities to share with the group, but nobody will ever be obliged to share personal information or experiences.
Do I have to attend all sessions?
Yes, you must commit to attending all six sessions.
How many people are in the group?
Each group will contain on average 25 people and there must be a minimum of 20 people for a group to go ahead.
Is this programme only for individuals of 18 years and over?
Yes, only individuals of 18 and over may take part in Aware’s Life Skills programme.
Is this programme right for me?
If the statements below apply to you, then you could benefit from this programme.
I am currently affected by mild to moderate depression or anxiety
I would like to make some changes in my life and am prepared to try new ways of dealing with life’s challenges
I am not currently experiencing a major life event such as a recent bereavement, major relationship problem or a significant trauma
I can commit to attending all six sessions of the programme
I have basic reading skills
I feel quite comfortable in a group setting
I feel I can concentrate and give my attention for the duration of each session i.e. about 90 minutes