AN anxiety coach is organising sessions in Basingstoke and Andover to help kids and young people overcome anxiety and raise self-esteem.

Victoria Kennedy, based in Andover, is starting the sessions at Viables Community Centre in Basingstoke from Tuesday, February 28, and at August Park Community Centre in Andover from Wednesday, March 1.

The qualified anxiety coach said the sessions are “fun and informative” and provide children and young people with the “tools to deal with difficult feelings, fears and phobias”.

The programme runs for six weeks during when the group learns techniques and tools, from a range of disciplines including positive psychology, neuro linguistic programming and personal development.

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Ms Kennedy said: “I work with children and young people using the STILL Method programme which is a fun but powerful system for overcoming anxiety and raising self-esteem.”

She first attended a STILL Method workshop as a way of gaining support for her own son and could instantly see how the method can support children experiencing anxiety to become more resilient and to give them usable tools to manage their own anxiety in any situation. 

It inspired her to train as a STILL Method coach.

The programme runs across the UK, USA and Australia and was created by an award-winning therapist and qualified social worker Stuart Thompson, who has nearly 20 years of experience in working with children who are experiencing anxiety.

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It was developed as a response to the unprecedented rise in the number of children whose lives and education are being detrimentally affected by anxiety.

Ms Kennedy said: “I’m really looking forward to bringing the STILL Method to Basingstoke and Andover. The last two years have been really difficult for children and many parents are telling me how anxious their children are following the pandemic. I’m excited to be part of team of anxiety coaches who are making a difference to the lives of children across the UK.”

To book or for more information, contact victoriaarrowsmith@gmail.com 

Together Anxiety Support CIC is looking for local businesses to sponsor a place on these programmes.

The course costs £60 per child. For parents who are unable to afford, the course fee can be paid using the places sponsored by local businesses. 

If you run a local business and would like to sponsor a place, get in touch with Ms Kennedy.