With Monday 21 January said to be the most depressing day of the year, St Andrew’s are offering people the chance to learn skills and techniques to improve their mental health.

We are running a free Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) group, designed to help people identify – and break out of – thought and behaviour patterns that are making them feel stressed or unhappy. The course will also introduce mindfulness.

Our Therapy Clinics will be providing a free six-week course, starting on Tuesday 19 February, for up to 10 people. Places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Our Lead Clinical Psychologist for the Outpatient Service said: “Many people find the winter months a struggle, but CBT is proven to be very effective in helping them manage their feelings. The aim is to give people the skills to recognise when they are stuck in unhelpful thinking and behaviour patterns or habits that are making them feel bad. They can then learn how to break out of these habits in order to feel better.

“We want to help people through Blue Monday and beyond, and we’re looking forward to welcoming 10 people onto the course.”

People interested in this free CBT course must commit to attending all six of the sessions. Applicants must be over 18 and live in Northamptonshire. While applicants can self-refer by calling 0300 303 3971, a GP referral would be helpful. The GP should fax details to 01604 616134, stating the person’s name, address, date of birth and some details about why they would benefit from the course. An Assistant Psychologist from St Andrew’s will contact applicants for an initial telephone assessment.

For further information, call 0300 303 3971 or visit www.standrewstherapy.co.uk