Shropshire Star

New approach to mental health needed

A college lecturer is so concerned about teenage mental health she has organised a day to help those affected, raise awareness and raise vital funds.

Published
Zoe Jones

Zoe Jones, a Countryside Management lecturer at North Shropshire College, says she has noticed a big increase in the number of young people who are suffering from a wide range of mental health issues.

She wants to see the problem accepted and ways of counteracting the stresses of modern day living explored.

As part of her work she is looking a launching an Eco-Therapy course, focussing on natural stress free environments and conservation and mindfulness based activities which have been proven to radically reduce anxiety and stress.

And in her spare time she is organising a Mental Health Awareness Event, at Oswestry’s Memorial Hall on December 3.

People of all ages are welcome to the event which costs just £1 to visit with free parking in the Central car park.

During the day, from 10-4.30pm, there will a series of workshops on stress, herbal medicine, meditation for people with seasonal affective disorder, positive choices in childbirth and a didgeridoo sound healing session.

There will also be various stalls in the hall offering massage therapy, acupuncture and other help and advice.

Zoe, who is also a mother, said she had become increasingly concerned about the number of young people who were struggling with their mental health.

"I wanted to give people the opportunity to find natural and holistic ways of helping themselves," she said.

The day will also raise funds to help two mental health charities.

"We will be supporting a project for young people run by Hafal in Wales, and the Children’s Society in Shropshire which aim to support young people through first intervention."

"The event is designed to provide a holistic approach to mental health, looking at alternative therapies as opposed to conventional treatments which do not suit every individual. I also hope that I will be able to provide some of my own Eco-Therapy focussed courses at a number of sites in the future”.

More information is available on the facebook page https://www.facebook.com/oswestrymindbodyspirit/ inlcuding the times of the workshops, for which people should register at the door.