Free Stress Control Classes across Southern Trust area

by Gráinne Connolly

A six week course of free Stress Control Classes are being run by the Southern Health and Social Care Trust (Southern Trust). 

They're funded by the Public Health Agency and organised in conjunction with the Southern Regional College.

The aim of the classes is to help people who may be suffering with stress, anxiety or depression and to prevent it from getting more serious. 
 

Jacqueline McKenna, Senior Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist for the Southern Trust, who is organising this programme says: 

"The pressures of modern life, juggling work, family and every day challenges can take their toll on many people, with one in five people in the UK taking a day off work due to stress at some point.

"We hope that through these classes we can help to equip people with skills and techniques to manage their own stress or indeed help a relative or friend to prevent it escalating into a much more serious mental health problem.
 

Jacqueline is reaching out to men in particular to attend the sessions:

"Everyone is welcome and we particularly encourage males who traditionally don't feel comfortable talking about or seeking help for their problems. 

"You may wish to bring a friend or family member with you. 

"Stress Control works as a class rather than as a group therapy session, so participants will not be asked to discuss any personal problems in front of others. There is no referral system, you can simply turn up."
 

This course which was devised by Dr Jim White, an internationally- renowned Consultant Clinical Psychologist is taught worldwide and it will include: 

• an overview of what stress is
   
• controlling your body
   
• controlling your throughts 
   
• controlling your actions
   
• getting a good night's sleep and planning for the future
   

The classes will be taking place in the following locations (Southern Trust areas) on the dates listed: 

Lurgan

Southern Regional College, Lurgan Campus, Lecture Theatre, Kitchen Hill, Lurgan (BT66 6AZ)

Monday from 6.30pm - 8.00pm

6th November-11th December 2017 

Newry 

Altnaveigh House, 51 Downshire Road, Newry (BT34 1EE)

Tuesday from 10.00am-11.30am 

7th November-12th December 2017

Southern Regional College, Newry Campus, Lecture Theatre, East Building, Patrick Street, Newry (BT35 8DN)

Tuesday from 6.30pm-8.00pm

7th November-12th December

Armagh

Southern Regional College, Armagh Campus, Hall 138, Killylea Road Building, Windmill Hill, Armagh (BT60 4BR)

Wednesday from 6.30pm-8.00pm

8th November-13th December 2017

Dungannon

The Junction, 12 Beechvalley Way, Dungannon (BT70 1BS) 

Tuesday from 10.30am-12.00pm

14th November-19th December 2017