Taking “Positive Steps”

“Positive Steps” was launched at an event held in Cultra Manor on Wednesday 12th October 2011.

“Positive Steps” is a programme devised by the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust for Mental Health and Emotional Well-being and it has been structured around the following 10 ‘steps:

1. Get creative
2. Accept who you are
3. Get talking
4. Get involved
5. Health & well-being
6. Try something new
7. Asking for help
8. Keeping active
9. Keeping in touch
10. Making relaxation a way of life

Joanna Miskelly, AMH New Horizons Downpatrick, has been a Positive Steps facilitator since it was initially piloted in February 2010. At the launch event, Joanna said:

“Everyone has different interests and different needs, therefore no 2 ‘positive steps’ groups are the same. However, one thing that all of the groups who I have delivered this course to have in common, is that in their feedback, the vast majority of participants report a marked improvement in their confidence as the course progresses. The very fact that those taking part get to have some choice as to what activities they want to do with Positive Steps is in itself a confidence booster as it allows them to take some ownership of the programme”

Elaine Shore, who participated in one of the programmes, also spoke at the event:

 “I wanted to do positive steps to challenge myself. The name in itself appealed to me as anything positive was worth a try! It has definitely improved my confidence, to the point that I am able to stand up in a room full of people and talk about my experience”