Hello everyone, as we approach the end of 2019 we would like to say a big thank you to everyone who has supported the centre in the last year. We are busier than ever, and have big plans in 2020 to help us run an even wider range of activities, courses and groups so that more people can join us.

For the new year, check out our upcoming courses to see if there is something that strikes your fancy. Thank you to external providers Bishop Auckland College, who will be supporting us with a series of practical courses, and Nordoff Robbins, who will be delivering music therapy throughout the year as part of a student placement. We’re looking forward to it!

 

The Joy of Text
9, 16, 23, 30 January, 6, 13 February
10am-12pm
£3
The art of recycling old and characteristically worn book pages has become an increasingly popular one. We will explore this technique, painting and drawing over text and using old pages to create new things.

Managing Low Mood and Anxiety
9, 16, 23, 30 January, 6 February
1.30-3.30pm
Free
This course is about anxiety and low mood and how both can have an impact on our daily lives. The course aims to give you self help strategies to help you manage your anxiety or low mood yourself, building up your confidence and self-esteem and giving you the tools to manage your life in a more positive way.

Cute
9, 16, 23, 30 January, 6, 13, February
1.30-3.30pm
£3
‘Cute’ is a new course which aims to introduce us to the basics of drawing simple animal figures with cute facial expressions and postures. Each week we will draw with pencil, watercolours and fineliners, producing small drawings which will be made into cards and gift tags. No real drawing experience is needed to enjoy taking part in this course.

 

Music Therapy
Starting 16th January every Thursday
9am-3pm
Free
A group of highly qualified music therapists will be working with us in groups or one to one, thanks to placements provided by Nordoff Robbins. Over the course of the year, we will be engaging in improvised music making, singing or playing instruments, and all offer a social music-making experience. No previous experience is needed.

Tools and Tips to Save Money
17, 24, 31 January, 7, 14 February
10am-12pm (with the exception of the last session, which will run until 1pm)
Free
This is a brand new course provided by Bishop Auckland College, which will equip you with the tools and knowledge needed to get on top of your finances. It is designed to be accessible to people with no experience of budgeting, and with an awareness of the relationship between mental ill health and money.

Courses are available to anyone over the age of 18 living in the County Durham area, who experiences mental ill health.

Our ‘Chatty Cafe’ will also be continuing on Thursdays from 9th January. Pop along and have a chat, a cuppa, and a competitive game of Frustration!

For more info or to reserve a space, please get in touch by calling 0191 384 8100, emailing enquiries@stmargaretscentre.co.uk, or popping in to the centre.

You can download the full course leaflet in PDF format by clicking this link: January and February courses 2020