Warwickshire women should “switch off” and de-stress by taking up DIY. That was the message from Stratford-based mental health charity, Springfield Mind today (Friday).

Launching ‘Plug In & EmPower Women’ – a project to get women in the county to shake off the shackles and pressures of modern day life by learning about domestic DIY - Hannah Murphy, Co-ordinator of Springfield’s Women’s Service said:

“For many women DIY is a frightening prospect. What we are aiming to provide them with is some of the basic skills to enable them to have a go at some of those jobs around the house, without always having to rely on a husband or partner to do them, or to have to pay for someone to come in.”

The initiative follows on from a highly successful car maintenance course last November, which saw women from all over the area get to grips with the basics of motor mechanics.

Hannah said:

“Experience has shown that by teaching women skills that they have requested to learn, and that are more traditionally associated with men, it can really build up their confidence and empower them.

“It really does help some women. Many find the pressures of modern day life really difficult to bear, particularly those trying to manage a job, a home and a family all at the same time.

“Escaping to do something completely different is not only educational and morale boosting, but it can also be invigorating, refreshing and above all fun.”

‘Plug In and EmPower Women’ is being run by Springfield Mind, in association with Stratford Business Services, the business division of Stratford-upon-Avon College. It will comprise a series of workshops in Stratford over the coming months.

Peter Young, SBS’s Curriculum Area Manager - Employer Responsive, explained the link with Springfield Mind was just one of many such partnerships across the area.

“Stratford Business Services specialises in the delivery of practical subjects through apprenticeships,” he said. “As part of a community college we are always looking for ways to be more involved with the wider community wherever possible.”

Today’s inaugural workshop covered domestic electrics. Others will include: decorating, putting up shelves and curtains, and how to use tools.

Any woman from mid and south Warwickshire who feels they could benefit from the stress-busting workshops can apply to join. They are free. And for those who don’t fancy the rigours of DIY, then Springfield’s normal weekly Women’s Service sessions might appeal instead.

The group meets every Friday at Springfield’s headquarters in Drayton Avenue, Stratford. It provides an opportunity for women of all ages and backgrounds - suffering from any form of stress or anxiety - to come together, relax and share experiences in a safe and friendly environment.

“We welcome any woman who has concerns about their emotional wellbeing,” said Hannah. “Worries and anxieties can leave us feeling very isolated and alone. Here you will be guaranteed to find a warm and supportive reception from like-minded women who understand what you are going through.

“And again it is fun. In addition having lunch together there are always complementary therapies on offer such as yoga, massage and aromatherapy. We also lay on regular workshops on anything from art to meditation and colour therapy to belly dancing.”

To sign up for ‘Plug In and Empower Women’, or to ask about any other aspect of Springfield’s Women’s Service, contact Hannah Murphy on 01789 298615 or email hannah.murphy@springfieldmind.co.uk|

NOTES TO EDITORS

1. Springfield Mind is a registered charity that provides a variety of services to help people with mental health problems throughout mid and south Warwickshire. It is funded from a variety of sources including Warwickshire County Council and Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust. It also benefits from number of independent grants, donations and fund-raising initiatives. It is affiliated to the National Association for Mental Health – Mind.

2. Springfield Mind’s Women’s Service offers confidential support to women suffering from stress, anxiety, depression and other mental-health issues. The group promotes ways of coping with the stresses and strains that isolation, work pressures, relationship issues and the general demands that modern life can bring. It’s “drop in” sessions take place every Friday between 10am and 2.30pm. Lunch costs £2.50.

3. SBS - the business division of Stratford-upon-Avon College - offers a wide range of apprenticeships across many different subject areas including hospitality and catering, childcare, engineering, construction and many more. As employees, apprentices earn a wage and work alongside experienced staff to gain job-specific skills. Off the job, usually on a day release basis, apprentices receive training to work towards nationally-recognised qualifications. Employers all over the country value apprenticeships as they show that individuals have been trained in the skills they need. For more information visit www.sbs.stratford.ac.uk|.

Issued on behalf of Springfield Mind by Flair Gougoulia and Lise Evans at Media Doctor. T. 01789 400701 M. 07970 212168.