You don’t have to go it alone.

That’s the message behind a series of new adult mental health education programmes run by Aware, beginning in Cork later this month.

The courses have been designed to empower people living with depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder in Ireland, as well as their support network and the general population, with the knowledge and skills to build positive mental health and resilience into the future.

All of Aware’s programmes are offered free of charge, with a wide range of times and locations on offer, including virtual options, to ensure they are accessible to all. Some courses will be held in the meeting rooms at Brú Columbanus in Wilton, Cork City, beginning on April 25th.

“We continue to live in a time of great uncertainty which exacerbates the need to protect mental health and to build resilience,” said Aware’s Director of Services Stephen McBride.

“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.”

There are three programmes on offer: 

• The Life Skills Programme offers practical tips on reducing symptoms associated with mild to moderate depression, anxiety and/or stress.  Available to anyone over the age of 18 in Ireland, it offers new ways of thinking to deal with life’s challenges.
•  The Living Well with Bipolar Disorder Programme is for people with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder.  It will provide people with information and support to understand and manage the condition effectively. The programme is delivered over the course of eight weeks by an experienced mental health professional through Zoom.
• The Relatives & Friends Programme focuses on helping people who are supporting someone with depression or bipolar disorder with the skills they need to look after both themselves and their loved one.  It focuses on the self-care of the supporter and also equips them with the tools they need to understand and support a loved one.

If you are impacted by depression, bipolar disorder, or other mood-related conditions, you can contact Aware’s free support line 7 days a week from 10am to 10pm on 1800 80 48 48.

To register for the Adult Education Programme, or for further information on Aware and volunteering see aware.ie.