THE Aisling Centre in Enniskillen is offering a free, live, virtual wellbeing programme during February and March.

Entitled, 'There is Always Hope', the aim of the programme is to help reduce stress and improve mental health, particularly in this time of Covid-19 restrictions.

Bridie Sweeney, Centre Co-ordinator, said: "The programme offers hope but perhaps just as importantly reminds us that there is always help available and Aisling Centre will be on hand to provide counselling and support as it has done all the way through this pandemic."

Aisling Centre is ‘open’ and continues to accept new referrals with a very simple self-referral process, but Bridie noted that they are also aware that, as the pandemic drags on, "people need connection with others and the support of knowing that they are not alone".

She added: "This is a live and interactive programme; people will be able to ask questions and make comments.”

Bridie went on to explain that the programme, which includes a range of educational, creative and fun workshops and talks, is based on the Aisling Centre's motto of Hope, Healing and Growth, and encourages self-care and self-compassion.

The majority of the programme is delivered by members of the Aisling Centre team, but the programme also includes some guest presenters and facilitators.

Sligo artist, Hazel McCrann, will offer a six-week art workshop, 'Expressive Mark Making'. Hazel is a visual artist, and her . work encompasses painting, drawing, sculpture and video, and has been exhibited nationally and internationally.

The art workshops are aimed at beginner level but are open to anyone interested in art.

'Stress Relief in Hard Times' workshops will be delivered by Joni Crone, a Psychodrama/Psychotherapist (now retired) with more than 20 years’ experience in facilitating workshops and supporting people to manage stress.

The workshop will use a 'Five Ways to Wellbeing' framework to talk about stress in the body and mind, and will include practical suggestions for managing stress and prioritising well-being.

Pharmacist and owner of Nature’s Choice, Enniskillen, Nuala Lilley, has long been passionate that nutrition is our primary medicine.

Nuala believes that how we are, how we feel and how we think on a daily basis is hugely influenced by our diet.

In her talk, 'Eat Yourself Better', Nuala will discuss our typical daily diet and offer stepping stones that we may consider appropriate towards improving it.

Conor McCafferty, Chief Executive Officer of Zest Healing the Hurt, who offer an outreach service from Aisling Centre, will help bring understanding and compassion to ourselves and others through his workshops on self-harm and suicide.

Rest and Renewal is the theme for the Women’s Circle workshops facilitated by Aisling Centre psychotherapist, Brenda Wynne-McKervey. These workshops will use self-reflective and creative methods to help participants take some time out to renew their energies.

Sharon Fitzpatrick, also a psychotherapist at Aisling Centre, will offer a very timely interactive 'Grief in a time of Covid' workshop, which will have an educational element.

Mindfulness teacher Siobhan Conlon will offer weekly drop in/taster sessions where participants will be invited to take part in a gentle programme of breathing exercises, mindfulness meditations and visualisations.

'More Stretch, Less Stress' is the theme for the yoga workshops on offer from Shauna McMorrow, Aurora Yoga Studio NI, with options for a range of ages and abilities including chair and floor yoga.

There will also be some child/partner sessions, to help support younger children who are also dealing with the ongoing stresses and challenges of Covid-19.

The 'There is Always Hope' programme will be delivered via Zoom online meetings, but is a live, interactive programme. Participants will be able to ask questions, make comments and find information on additional supports available at Aisling Centre and locally.

This is a free programme (with donations optional), and tickets can be booked via Eventbrite, at http://bit.ly/36az3Ta.

Numbers on some of the workshops are limited, so early booking is advised.

For further information on this programme or Aisling Centre counselling services, see www.theaislingcentre.com, or contact the centre at 028 66 325811.

You can also find Aisling Centre on Facebook, or follow it on Twitter.