A NEW wellbeing college starts in Bradford today to help banish the blues on what has become known as the most miserable day of the year.

The NHS MyWellbeing College - a free service led by Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust - wants people to enrol on its courses that are focused on helping participants through life’s ups and downs.

Its launch coincides with today’s 'Blue Monday', which is the third Monday in January and has become known as the most miserable day of the year because of a combination of factors such as poor weather, and people experiencing difficulties like debt problems, low motivation, abandoned New Year resolutions and returning to work after Christmas.

Simon Long, interim deputy director at the Trust, said: “We are delighted to launch the MyWellbeing College as emotional well-being is an essential part of all our health.

“We can all experience problems in everyday life caused by a number of things, including relationship problems, bereavement, sleep problems or stress at work.

“The college offers a range of free courses to give people the tools and resources they need to help cope more effectively. People can refer themselves so they can start straightaway.”

The MyWellbeing College is a free NHS service that is run in partnership by Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust and local voluntary and community organisations such as Bradford Counselling Services and the Cellar Trust.

It offers online courses in issues such as overcoming low moods, anxiety and stress.

Paul Lonsdale, 47, experienced low mood and anxiety following work-related stress.

He said: “At work my job had changed, which wasn’t necessarily what I wanted or what I was comfortable with.

“That led to low confidence, which started to erode away slowly. That was the trigger for me to experience a bit of anxiety and it snowballed from there.”

Mr Lonsdale enrolled on a six-week mood matters course at MyWellbeing College and credited it with giving him the skills he needed to help to tackle his difficlties.

The MyWellbeing College is open to anyone over the age of 16 who is registered with a GP in Bradford, Wharfedale, Airedale or Craven.

Register at bmywellbeingcollege.nhs.uk or ring 0300 555 5551.

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