Courses teaching people how to tackle mental health problems are being held in the south of the island in the coming months.

Aimed at those working in the third sector, the course aims to inform people about spotting problems in others and advising them on who or where to refer them for help.

’Stress, anxiety and depression are currently one of the biggest causes of sickness absence in our society,’ said Janet Bridle, from the Southern Community Partnership which will run the courses.

’Healthy people are happier, more engaged and more productive.

’Organisations are recognising that by taking action to support the well being of their employees and volunteers it will help create mentally healthy teams.’

The partnership was formed under the auspices of Southern Community Initiatives, which runs several activities at the Hub in Port Erin.

SCI held a series of focus group meetings in 2016 and 2017, and identified a number of local issues and gaps in local community services.

In response to this need the Southern Community Partnership (SCP) was formed representing charities, commissioners, doctors’ surgeries and faith groups to work with charities, community organisations and government departments.

To tackle a key concern Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training courses teach people to spot the symptoms of mental health issues, offer initial help and guide a person towards support.

These courses do not teach people to be therapists or psychiatrists but they do teach people to listen, reassure and respond even in a crisis.

’The third sector plays an important role in island life, employs a significant number of individuals and is supported by a wide army of volunteers,’ said Mrs Bridle .

’Many are involved on a daily basis with vulnerable people and it is therefore appropriate that they undertake MHFA both for the benefits of themselves and their colleagues but in addition to give them the skills to support the mental wellbeing of those service users they come into contact with.’

The courses are led by Steve Hobbs of Shine, a mental health practitioner with more than 30 years’ experience.

The sessions are being held in Ballasalla, Castletown, Port Erin and Port St Mary in January, February, March and April.

The courses take place over two consecutive days, from 9.30am to 5pm.

They are sponsored by the Lockington Marshall Trust and the Rotary Club of Douglas but there is a charge for participants to cover the course’s basic costs.

For details contact Mrs Bridle on 838180 or email [email protected]