Free Adult mental health programmes
Registration is open for Aware’s new free Adult mental health education programmes.
They are suitable for people who want to improve their mental health and learn ways to enhance their resilience; for those living with depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder; and for people supporting a loved one living with depression.
The sessions will take place at the Family Resource Centre, Cavan Town, and also online.
The courses commence on April 25, have been designed to empower people with the knowledge and skills to build positive mental health and resilience into the future. The in-person and virtual sessions are free of charge but places are limited.
Approximately 6,000 adults took part in Aware’s Adult Education Programmes last year, and the charity expects that demand will continue as the need for mental health supports remains extremely high in Ireland.
There are three free programmes to choose from: The Life Skills programme, which provides insight into methods to reduce the impacts associated with anxiety, stress and depression and for people who want to improve their mental health and build resilience; The Living Well with Bipolar Disorder Programme for people with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder; and the Relatives and Friends Programme for people supporting a loved one experiencing depression.
Aware’s Director of Services Stephen McBride said: “We continue to live in a time of great uncertainty which exacerbates the need to protect mental health and to build resilience. People are navigating a new pandemic landscape, transitioning back to the office and re-emerging back into society. Our Life Skills Programme may just be the right space to help people develop new tools that will enable them to better navigate the new environment we find ourselves in. Attendees will also develop their knowledge and understanding of the importance of having these skills so they can practise self-care."
The Living Well with Bipolar Disorder Programme is the only course of its kind in Ireland. "People diagnosed with the condition can learn new ways to manage it more effectively," said Stephen.
The Relatives and Friends Programme is about ‘supporting the supporter’. "Aware wants to encourage as many as possible to take up the opportunity to learn ways to protect their own well-being as they undertake the challenging role of assisting others,” explained Stephen.
The Life Skills Programme is for over 18s and runs online over eight modules by a certified trainer and is also available in person at the Family Resource Centre in Cavan Town.
As part of the Living Well with Bipolar Disorder Programme, participants will also complete a personal wellness plan. It will be delivered over eight weeks by an experienced mental health professional through Zoom.
The Relatives & Friends Programme equips family members and friends with the tools they need to understand and support a loved one. This programme is also run by a mental health professional.
CONTACT US
If you are impacted by depression, bipolar disorder, or other mood related conditions, you can contact Aware’s free support line seven days a week from 10am to 10pm on 1800-80-48-48.