FREE stress-busting courses are being offered to people across Airedale and Craven.

Behind the sessions is MyWellbeing College, which is backing International Stress Awareness Week.

The group-based course, staged over six weeks, helps people spot the early signs of stress and manage the symptoms.

Participants learn techniques such as relaxation exercises and are given a meditation taster, and look at contributing factors such as alcohol, caffeine and smoking.

Emma Wilson, who delivers the courses, said: “Stress can affect any of us at points in our lives.

“Recognising the signs and symptoms, by attending one of the many stress-control courses run locally, can help people to manage it more effectively.

“People who have attended sessions previously have credited the course with getting them back on track.”

Among those who have already benefited from the sessions is Gemma Pywell.

From as young as 11, she felt anxious and shy in social settings, which led to her experiencing low mood and loneliness during her teenage years.

Gemma, who is now in her 20s, credits the course with giving her self-confidence and a more positive outlook.

“I’ve always been quite a shy and anxious person – especially when it came to going places and being in big groups,” she said.

“I chose to go for a group course because I’d had one-to-one counselling before and thought this time why not be a bit more daring and step out of my comfort zone a little.

“I surprised myself by speaking out in front of the group, which was good.

“I definitely feel the experience and the course helped me build my confidence. Everyone was really welcoming and it was a good way to learn new methods to manage anxiety and stress.”

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

People don’t have to go through their GP to enrol on a course.

Anyone interested can register online at bmywellbeingcollege.nhs.uk or alternatively contact the enrolment team on 0300 555 5551 to discuss the range of options available.