Devon charity launches summer programme of free online mental health courses and workshops

Mental health charity, Step One, has been supporting people in Devon with mental health and learning disabilities for 85 years, working closely with local NHS Trusts, GP surgeries and communities across the county. With mental health problems increasing and a reported 1 in 5 people now showing signs of depression (compared to 1 in 10 before the COVID-19 pandemic), the ‘BeWell@StepOne’ project was launched to provide support to as many people as possible across Devon. Through online courses, workshops, support groups and learning opportunities, BeWell@StepOne helps people to manage their own wellbeing and support others in their communities.

The latest BeWell@StepOne programme runs from July to September 2022 and offers courses such as ‘Wellbeing and Resilience’, ‘Understanding OCD’ and ‘Managing your Anger’ in the form of online weekly sessions in small, secure groups led by professional, qualified and supportive course leaders who have lived experience of mental health issues. The courses are open to everyone through self-referral and can be signed up to now on the Step One website.

The charity hopes that by signing up to these free and accessible courses, people that may be struggling can receive early support and guidance for their mental health concerns, both preventing them from falling into a crisis and reducing some of the burden on the severely stretched NHS services.

BeWell@StepOne Project Lead, Amy Erith, said “Our vision is that our BeWell@StepOne project will ensure that people experiencing mental health issues in Devon, who cannot access statutory care, can access support to help prevent them from reaching crisis point. We aim that BeWell@StepOne will support an additional 550 people a year with free online learning opportunities and support groups. We can make a positive difference and support our local NHS services by offering alternative supportive learning opportunities for those with low-level mental health needs.”

Along with free courses and workshops for individuals, Step One also offers a dedicated support and training programme for businesses in Devon. ‘BeWell for Business’ offers a Mental Health First Aid Course (NUCO Accredited) allowing employers and employees to understand the signs and symptoms of different mental health problems and to start a conversation around mental health in the workplace. For course and pricing information, contact Amy at amy.erith@steponecharity.co.uk.

The BeWell@StepOne project is entirely funded through voluntary donations such as community fundraising efforts, grants and gifts in wills. If you would like to support this crucial service through a one-off donation, regular monthly payment or even by setting yourself a fundraising challenge, please get in touch with the Step One Fundraising team at fundraising@steponecharity.co.uk.

For more information about the latest BeWell@StepOne online courses and to sign up, please visit www.steponecharity.co.uk/bewellstepone-online-courses.

Download the summer course programme here.