Aware’s Free Positive Mental Health Programmes Open for Registration
“An amazing, potentially life changing course that is user friendly and welcoming. The skills are invaluable”
Taking place in a virtual group settings via Zoom
- Life Skills Group Programme to equip people with the tools to cope with the stresses of everyday life - nine hours over six weeks
- Relatives & Friends Programme for those supporting a loved one experiencing depression or bipolar disorder - six hours over four weeks
- Living Well With Bipolar Disorder Programme for people with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder – 12.5 hours over eight weeks
- Life Skills Online Programme offers an online self-directed option with the guidance of an Aware ‘supporter’
- Programmes starting w/c 29th January
- *FREE to attend, one session per week, registration now open at aware.ie
Aware, Ireland’s leading organisation providing support, education and information services for people impacted by depression, bipolar disorder and related mood conditions is urging people to invest in their mental health this year, today announcing that its popular Life Skills Group Programme, Relatives & Friends Programme and Living Well With Bipolar Disorder Programme are available to attend in a virtual group setting from 29th January. Registration is now open here. With programmes available Monday-Friday, participants can choose the day and session time that best suits their schedule.
Aware Life Skills Group Programme
The Life Skills Group Programme, nine hours over the course of six weeks, will teach attendees how to better cope with the stresses of everyday life, recognise and manage unhelpful thoughts, learn new ways of thinking and ultimately begin the journey to a healthier and more confident life. Developed by the renowned cognitive behaviour therapy specialist (CBT), Dr Chris Williams, the programme is specifically designed to help people learn more about how we think and how this can influence our actions in helpful or unhelpful ways.
“I feel by practicing these tools daily I will be able to get back to the old confident me that seemed to have got lost because of life pressures.”
“An amazing, potentially life changing course that is user friendly and welcoming. The skills are invaluable.”
Aware Relatives & Friends Programme
The free psycho-educational programme, six hours over the course of four weeks, is designed to equip people with the tools to understand and support a loved one experiencing depression or bipolar disorder, while also focusing on the self-care of the supporter. The content addresses the signs and symptoms of depression and bipolar disorder, offers practical advice on self-care, teaches coping tools, communication skills, and addresses the issues that arise for people who are supporting a loved one.
“I thought it was great to be in a room with others in the same boat – very comforting. Sharing experiences and hearing that the way I’m reacting is normal and giving me information how to help.”
“I found this programme very helpful and it helped me to realise, while I thought I was listening to my loved one, I really wasn’t truly listening. I learned how to listen better, be more empathetic, and communicate more effectively.”
“This course gave me permission to take time to care for myself. We were reminded of the importance of self care so we can care for our loved ones without burn out.”
Aware Living Well With Bipolar Disorder Programme
This programme is designed for people with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder and aims to equip participants with opportunities to understand and effectively manage the condition. It’s delivered workshop style in 90 minute sessions each week over eight weeks. Participants are invited to bring a supporter to the 7th session which is a two-hour session. This programme is followed by a dedicated Support & Self Care Group for a period of six weeks to enable participants to reflect on the programme and support each other as they further explore or implement the learnings.
“From the very first session I felt supported and understood, all these individuals in the programme were like me looking for some hope, support and information. During that 8-week programme I learnt more than I ever would have expected.”
“Bipolar can be a very isolating illness and to feel connected to others going through similar experiences makes such a difference.”
Online registration for both programmes is now open here and places are available to anyone over 18. There are a limited number of places available for each programme to ensure that everyone can benefit from the sessions. The programmes are delivered in workshop style to offer a participative learning environment. Each session is 90 minutes long. The workshops provide an opportunity for discussion but at no stage is anyone asked to share information if they do not wish to.
*The Aware education programmes are free to attend, with a refundable 30e booking deposit in place to ensure participants that really want to book a place have the opportunity to do so. The booking fee will be refunded by contacting Aware once all modules in the course have been completed. Reduced booking fees are available for students, the unemployed, OAPs or those in possession of a medical card.
Aware services include Support & Self Care Groups nationwide and a Support Line and Support Mail service, both of which operate 365 days a year. Aware delivers a range of wellbeing programmes designed to empower adults and senior cycle students with the knowledge and skills to build resilience and protect their mental health.
For more information visit here.