The new project aims to empower Asian clients, especially those with English as a second language to support themselves by providing counselling/other therapeutic tools and techniques, via individual, couple, family counselling and group work.
This will be delivered by two areas:
- Low level therapy or activities with therapeutic input for adult residents experiencing anxiety and depression and other mild/moderate mental illness.
- Gender specific mental health support such as men’s mental health groups and trauma informed support for women with a particular focus on marginalised/disadvantaged groups and people who find it challenging to access mental health services.
AFCS will run 3 gender specific groups – 2 women’s and 1 men’s group (10-12 clients per group) during the year. Topics covered will include anger, regret, anxiety, depression, bereavement, letting go, mindfulness etc. These will be conducted in the community languages (Hindi/Punjabi/Urdu) and be held weekly for 3 hours per week for 6 weeks.
The groups will provide the clients with the tools to manage their mental health better. The emphasis will be on psycho-education and self-help.
The first women's group launched on the 6 June, 2024. Groups will then be held weekly for 6 weeks till 11th of July 2024 between 10 am and 1 pm. These group sessions will be offered in the main community languages and will include psychoeducation on topics such as depression, anxiety, grief, anger, insomnia and intergenerational conflict etc.
Groups will be located at The Indian Gymkhana, Thornbury Avenue, Osterley, TW7 4NQ.
How to book: Please visit www.