Local people are invited to take part in a new free course, led by a local NHS talking therapies team, to better manage mental health symptoms and improve their well-being.

Access Sefton, an improving access to psychological therapies (IAPT) service, provided by Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (CWP) in partnership with Insight Healthcare is rolling out the free course from next week.

‘Positive You’ has been designed for people experiencing anxiety or depression who are looking to improve their self-esteem. The five week course will be held every Wednesday from 8 June from 1pm at the May Logan Centre, Knowsley Road in Bootle.

Those interested are invited to call the service or self-refer online and have a screening appointment to ensure that the course is right for them. The service, which provides help for people with mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression and stress, can provide confidential advice about the best option for you.

Emma Green, psychological wellbeing practitioner, who is running the course, says, “We hope the group will help those taking part to make changes to their thinking styles and behaviour using techniques based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

“We want to give people the tools to help them cope better with symptoms of anxiety and depression. The course will focus on changing negative thoughts, reducing worry and developing better ways of coping. There will also be elements of relaxation and mindfulness.”

If you need to speak to someone, getting access to the service is easy – ask your GP or self-refer online at www.insighthealthcare.org/accesssefton. You can also pick up the phone and call 0151 955 3200 to arrange an initial appointment.

For more information about CWP please visit www.cwp.nhs.uk.