Blackburne House wellness service has grown since the first covid lockdown in 2020

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A woman has told how she got her life back on track thanks to a city centre charity.

Vicky Kennedy joined Blackburne House's 'Inspire Programme', a move she said: "Has been life changing." The inspire Programme was initially developed to meet the needs of women being referred to the charity's 1-1 counselling with anxiety and stress in November 2021.

But due to growing demand the service has widened for women from outside its student base who experienced mental health decline during the covid lockdown.

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Vicky told the ECHO: "From initially walking in a bit scared, being closed in my own space, to my introduction to the staff, I felt safe, listened to and was made so welcome. It was the scaffolding to help me think of my worth in life and how I had the ability to change things I thought were set in stone."

Blackburne House, with high demand and fixed funding identified targeted group work would provide immediate support for women and enable them to recognise they are not alone in their mental health struggles. The initial success of the programme demonstrated methods used were adaptable and the charity developed bespoke programmes in line with areas of concern for clients, highlighted by Social Prescribers.

The women only programme is delivered by a qualified counsellor and mindfulness practitioner over a four-week period, for one and a half hours, twice a week. The charity now delivers an array of 'Inspire' programmes which focus on stress and anxiety, menopause, long covid and pain management.

Andrea Rushton, Executive Director of Operations said: "The programme uses ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy) along with mindfulness practice to bring about positive change. Referrals come via a variety of methods, self-referrals, GPs social prescribers, and community partners.

"It is also available to employers for a fee to enable them to support staff with their mental health and wellbeing. The programme improves sickness days and can mitigate staff attrition rates.

"Women are provided with skills and strategies to help them recognise negative patterns of behaviours using various methods including CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy). The activities bring about positive change, enabling a forward-looking approach whilst building resilience and self-esteem".

Vicky added: "It was a chance for me to be able to look at me and respect myself. The course made my self confidence blossom, made me aware just how my negativity to myself and the outside world was impacting in all that I did, thought and believed.

"It has told me that I am able to incorporate lots of different things and allowed me to take risks and chances that I would never have done before."

For information visit the Blackburne House website: https://www.blackburnehouse.co.uk/

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