Health service invites North Somerset to take positive steps

PositiveStep, a healthcare service aimed at improving mental wellbeing for people in North Somerset, is holding a celebration day where visitors can learn simple tips to improve their own wellbeing.

The event on 15 October will provide opportunities to try relaxation techniques, learn about exercise and wellbeing, have a go at computerised Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), pick up self-help materials and talk to staff.

PositiveStep launched earlier this year and is run by Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust (AWP) in partnership with Second Step, Atos Healthcare and NHS Direct. The service offers treatment and services to people with common mental health and emotional difficulties.

Service manager Sarah Branton says, “We all feel low, worried or anxious at times in our lives. Sometimes this becomes worse and these problems stop us from living our lives the way we want to.

“PositiveStep is a primary care service designed to give those experiencing conditions such as depression, stress and low self esteem the support they need.”

Run through GP surgeries, PositiveStep offers Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) based courses, where people learn new positive approaches to their situations, group educational sessions, individual therapy and advice about self help.

People are welcome to drop in between 12.30pm and 16.00pm on Thursday 15 October 2009 at The For All Healthy Living Centre, 68 Lonsdale Avenue, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 3SJ.

Visit the PositiveStep website at www.positivestep.net for more information.