Free mental health webinars for Biggleswade and Bedfordshire residents

A Biggleswade access worker for Mind BLMK is raising awareness about online mental health support for Bedfordshire residents.

Jessica Young, who grew up in the town, is urging people to reach out for support from a new service which tackles a variety of different topics, from anxiety and mindfulness to parenthood and exams.

The online support is thanks to Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes mental health experts, who have collaborated together to create wellbeing webinars for 2021.

The specialists hail from three leading Talking Therapy teams from Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT), a service across Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes (BLMK).

Jessica, a well-being access worker for Mind BLMK, said: "We're supporting the collaboration, which is a much needed opportunity for people in these areas, as they can access support in a safe and unified space.

"All of the webinars focus on ways to boost your mental health, for example managing anxiety, stress, and mindfulness.

"With managing anxiety, it's quite CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) focussed - how to challenge negative thoughts, how to be compassionate to yourself.

"It's a big step for these teams to come together, and it's extremely beneficial - they are sharing resources, expertise and insight."

Thanks to the partnership, those from across the BLMK area will have full access to a range of free webinars, offering a safe space for individuals across the area.

Mind BLMK’s Chief Executive Officer, Caroline Lewis, said: “This is an incredible and much-needed opportunity for people from across Bedfordshire, Luton, and Milton Keynes to access further support with their mental wellbeing.

"We are really proud to be working alongside the three leading IAPT services to promote this work, and fully believe that by working in a collaborative way the support offering across the region can be so much more effective for those needing services such as this.”

The work is supported by Mind BLMK and led by experts from the three IAPT teams, aimed at improving mental health and wellbeing.

The support offering will focus on a number of different ways to boost positive mental health, including support with employment, managing anxiety and stress, and practicing mindfulness exercises. Giving individuals an opportunity to step back from day-to-day worries and concentrate on their own mental wellbeing.

Jessica added: "There is also a new webinar coming in the next couple of weeks called ‘Reconnecting with People’. This webinar will look at the impact of lockdown restrictions on our mental health and explore how connecting with other people can lessen the feelings of loneliness and isolation."

More information and registration for each event can be found online.

You can also find out more about Mind BLMK and the services they have available or to speak to somebody about their crisis support line at the website or via email at [email protected]