Coping with the crunch? 

Swindon courses launched to support people in Swindon struggling to cope with the emotional pressures arising from the credit crunch

 

Weighed down? Help is at hand in Swindon

A local mental health trust has teamed up with Swindon Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) to support people in Swindon struggling to cope with the emotional pressures arising from the credit crunch.

 

“Coping with the Crunch” is a new six hour long course (over a day or two evenings) being piloted by Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust (AWP) and Swindon CAB designed to help those facing the psychological problems that arise from living with debt and redundancy.

 

While support has been available to deal with financial issues, this is believed to be the first initiative locally to help people cope with the personal or family stresses and strains which arise from coping with the economic downturn.

 

Annette Law, deputy head of AWP’s primary care psychology service in Swindon said; “Economic uncertainty and financial worries can have a huge impact on mental wellbeing. Since the credit crunch hit we have seen an increase in the number of people accessing our services finding it hard to cope with job loss and debt.

 

“After a successful trial we have now developed our Coping with the Crunch course, where we look at stress and anxiety, taking people through coping techniques and teaching them how to manage negative emotions, alongside practical financial advice.

 

“One of the biggest benefits of these courses are that people in similar situations can come together and learn from each other, helping them feel less isolated.”

 

Courses give people access to complementary professional support, assisting people to deal with the stress that comes with money worries. 

 

Beginning in August, Coping with the Crunch courses will run at venues across Swindon.

 

More information, and to book a place, can be found via the link below or by calling Swindon Psychology Services on 01793 836 836 or swindon.psychology@awp.nhs.uk