The Re-Connect CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) sessions has a particular focus on helping those who are out of work

A helpline which provides free wellbeing support is set to continue.

After the successful launch of its virtual Re-Connect CBT group therapy programme in June, The Wise Group has announced that it is to continue the helpline over the winter period.

The Re-Connect CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) sessions - running weekly throughout the winter period – will focus on anxiety, anger, low mood and personal wellbeing, and are delivered by a team of experienced counsellors free of charge via Zoom.

The programme was launched for 17 weeks in the summer for people struggling with their mental health during the coronavirus pandemic, with a particular focus on jobseekers. Almost 200 sessions were hosted by its team of counsellors and the pilot received an overwhelmingly positive response, including:

• 98%  would recommend a friend or family  
• 90% stated they felt an improvement in wellbeing as a result 
• 79% felt they have tools to cope better  

Chris, a previous Re-Connect participant says: “Anxiety attacks have had a crippling effect on me all of my life. Having not seen any results from prescription medication, I had reached the age of 40 completely broken. I'd always heard good things regarding CBT so when I learned from my work coach that the Wise Group were running classes, I thought to myself 'why not?’.

“The facilitators know what they are talking about, often referring back to their own experiences and once you find the courage to talk, you've made the first step and it only gets easier. I find having other people in the group reassuring as I am not alone. I've made good use of the coping strategies and tools that are on offer.

“I've starting to challenge myself in social situations which I would have shied away from in the past. In short, I'm starting to engage with life again and I’d recommend this to friends and family without hesitation.”

Alex Cochrane, counsellor at the Wise Group, added: “Looking for work can be an emotional rollercoaster, particularly in a competitive labour market. Re-Connect CBT will offer a lifeline for people who find themselves struggling with feelings of anxiety, depression or anger. Our trained counsellors will provide a self-care toolkit to minimise the impact of mental ill health, improve emotional and psychological wellbeing and reduce the impact of isolation resulting from Covid-19.”

Available now, a programme of one hour group sessions covering anxiety, depression and anger are bookable up to four weeks in advance. Each Re-Connect CBT session is completely standalone to allow people to attend as many or as few as they feel they need.

Find out more information, visit the Wise Group website.