Course for people with mental health diagnosis planned

A course which will help people with a long-term mental health diagnosis develop self-management skills has been launched.

The first self-management training course is to be provided in Ynys Mon in February 2010, said the Mental Health Foundation, who is organising the event in conjunction with Ynys Mon Mind.

A further 30 similar courses are due to be held throughout Wales and will aim to give people with a psychiatric diagnosis the opportunity to learn self-management techniques. The courses aim to help people feel in “control of the symptoms of an illness”. Increased confidence, a healthier lifestyle and improved relationships are other benefits of self-management, the charity noted.

Clare Bailey, manager of Ynys Mon Mind, is working with the Mental Health Foundation and has trained as a facilitator for the project.

Jane Wycherley, project manager for the Foundation, said: “Clare and the management committee of Ynys Mon Mind have been incredibly supportive. They fully appreciate the value of supporting people to develop skills that can help them to take control of the symptoms of their illness and improve the quality of their lives.”

Earlier this month, YoungMinds said early intervention is key to tackling mental health difficulties.