The ‘mending’ of minds

Saira and Caleb from MIND demonstrate one of the exercises on the confidence course.

CONFIDENCE-building courses and help with stress or anxiety are being offered free to residents in Oldham.

Tameside, Oldham and Glossop Mind received funding from Oldham Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) to offer courses such as stress and anxiety, confidence and self-esteem, anger management and mindfulness at a variety of locations in the borough until June 2016.

The courses have already made a difference to the lives of two residents who have been able to reduce their stress and anxiety through the techniques they learned.

Christopher* attended a six-week stress and anxiety course provided by Mind after finding himself struggling at work.

His job as a contract manager could get incredibly stressful at times and Chris found himself getting worked up, feeling distracted and even shouting at colleagues.

He said: “Attending the course was the best thing I ever decided to do. I am a much calmer person and now understand my problems better.

“My relationships have improved and friends, family and work colleagues are talking to me again.”

For fellow participant Nick*, the course helped him reduce the isolation he was feeling and taught him relaxation techniques.

Nick, who suffers from depression and has been on medication for seven years, added: “I have learnt how to understand the triggers of my stress and anxiety and what to do when I feel stressed. I now use a treathing technique on a regular basis and this has really helped me.

“It has been a fantastic experience and I’m really glad I came on the course.”

The pair also advised anyone who is struggling with stress or anxiety to consider a course.

Rebecca Stambridge, from Tameside, Oldham and Glossop Mind, said: “Many people who attend our courses feel a little worried to start with.

“They aren’t sure what to expect from the group, but often find that there are people there with similar worries and concerns, and that they are not alone in feeling stressed or anxious.

“It’s really good to see the group bond over the six weeks and to see people starting to look at things in a different way as they learn and implement new techniques.

“It’s great to be able to empower people in this way.”

If you are an Oldham resident and would like to book a place on a course or find out more call 0161-330 9223

*Names have been changed.