ANXIETY UK News

Shining a light event

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 23:00:00 GMT

Shining a Light is a social enterprise that is passionate about empowering social anxiety sufferers to live a life they love, a life full of fun, freedom and self-expression. Shining a Light creators, Steve Light and Emma Connor met at a social anxiety self help group back in 2005, and had previously suffered with the condition known as social anxiety disorder for all of their lives. Steve and Emma both share the same passion of helping social anxiety sufferers live a life they love, and have been running events through two separate entities Freedom to Shine and Leading Light. Hence, the fusion of the two causes rolled into one, called Shining a Light. The event is split into 2 parts, the day event and the evening event. At the day event you will get the chance to find out more about Social Anxiety and other related Anxiety issues, as well as trying out fun workshops such as singing, dancing, laughter therapy and much much more. Lunch and tea breaks are included. The evening session will include a cat-walk fashion show, live entertainment and also a charity auction where you will be able to get some exclusive items and help Anxiety UK in the process. Two glasses of complementary Champagne and a delicious buffet meal included. Please feel free to bring guests along, whether it be a friend or a family member, you will all have a great time and raise money for charity You can buy both day and evening tickets for a bargain price of �65. All profits from this event will go to www.anxietyuk.org.uk the UK's Largest Anxiety Charity.

How to get the best out of linked in seminar

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 23:00:00 GMT

Social Networking is just for the kids ... Oh no its not Kintish have become very knowledgeable in this area of online networking. When it is used in combination with face to face networking, it can really help you to gain more business. If ever there was a better time for you to be doing something different with your business development, NOW must be that time With this in mind, we are bringing you this exclusive seminar, which helps you to combine your face to face networking with an element of online - thus maximising your potential business opportunities LinkedIn is for your business if you want to... � act and not react in this new business climate � approach warm leads and avoid cold calling � gain more business opportunities at virtually no cost � become a comfortable, proactive, online business developer � ensure satisfied clients will introduce you to their contacts in an organised and carefully targeted manner. � encourage colleagues to create more cross selling opportunities. � be involved in more modern, up-to-date business development techniques. Kintish will show you how to... � get started � feel comfortable with the technology � build your personal, and your organisation's global profile � build your network � make introductions � connect with 40m+ people � get lots of testimonials � raise your profile How will this benefit you? At the end of the training you will fully understand the important benefits of LinkedIn, and be fully au-fait with all of its features. This will lead to you raising your own and your business's profile to ensure that, in the long run, you create more business. When: Wednesday 1st July 2009, 9.30am � 12.30pm Where: Manchester Legal Centre, 64 Bridge Street, Manchester, M3 3BN Price: �117 +VAT Profits from this seminar will be donated to our chosen corporate charity, Anxiety UK, who are currently experiencing unprecedented demand for its services as a result of the economic downturn and the large increase in the number of individuals consequently being affected by anxiety. Will Kintish Having spent the last 9 years showing professionals and business people how to network face-to-face, Will has extended his knowledge and now has a deep and full understanding of this exciting social networking tool. �Whilst LinkedIn is no substitute for �live� networking, combining the two creates a very powerful proactive business development mix.�

Exciting opportunity to work for Anxiety UK

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 23:00:00 GMT

Communications Officer vacancy at Anxiety UK We require an experienced communications professional who ideally has experience of the third sector, to raise awareness of Anxiety UK amongst key target markets. If you have enthusiasm, energy and drive then this is a great opportunity for you to use your skills and experience in a dynamic and growing charity which makes a real difference to anxiety sufferers all over the UK. Hours: Part time � 3 days per week, fixed term of 1 year Based at: Zion CRC, Hulme, Manchester with occasional working from home Salary: �19,463 per annum pro rata For an application pack please see our website www.anxietyuk.org.uk/vacancies.php or email info@anxietyuk.org.uk The closing date for applications is Friday 3rd July, 12 noon. Interviews will be held on Wednesday 8th July.

BABCP conference and workshops

Thu, 21 May 2009 23:00:00 GMT

BABCP Workshops, Conference, and �Explaining CBT� open event Venue: University of Exeter Wednesday 15th July 2pm � 4pm: �Explaining CBT� open event An open event for anyone interested in learning more about CBT. Anyone welcome. More information will soon be available at www.babcp.com. Please email jenny@babcp.com to register for this event. Wednesday 15th July 9.30am � 5pm: Full-day practical workshops A range of clinical workshops for health professionals on a variety of client groups and therapist abilities. Thursday 15th July � Saturday 18th July: Conference programme of symposia, keynote addresses, and half-day workshops Key themes include recent developments in CBT service delivery and training, the therapeutic relationship in CBT, and service-user involvement in mental health research and training. Featuring presentations relating to: - the treatment of anxiety in primary care - paranoia as the 21st century fear - the development and maintenance of posttraumatic stress - new research in adult and child obsessive compulsive disorder - understanding and treating health anxiety - interventions for childhood anxiety Keynote speakers include Lord Richard Layard, Professor Paul Gilbert, Professor Terry Wilson, and Professor David Richards. Anyone welcome. For more information and online registration, please see: http://www.babcpconference.com

Anxiety UK�s Great Manchester Run

Wed, 20 May 2009 23:00:00 GMT

Anxiety UK staff and supporters took to the streets of Manchester on Sunday 17 May to run a gruelling 10k and raise sponsorship for the charity. The team has raised a fantastic �2,300, which will make a real difference to the 30,000 anxiety sufferers supported by the charity every year. As well as most of the Anxiety UK staff team, runners for the charity also include a fabulous foursome of dressed up �Under the Sea� characters, a theme chosen because of the Anxiety UK logo: a wave symbolising both the overwhelming and frightening feelings of anxiety, and the soothing support offered by Anxiety UK. Anxiety UK would like to send a massive thank you to everyone who ran or sponsored the team. This is the first time that the charity has participated in a charity run like this, and we are so grateful to everyone who has made it such a great success. Sponsorship is still open, so please show your support for the Anxiety UK team at www.bmycharity.com/anxietyukrunningteam

Anxiety UK in e-Wellbeing final

Tue, 12 May 2009 23:00:00 GMT

Britain�s leading anxiety disorders charity makes final of the National e-Wellbeing awards. Anxiety UK, Britain�s leading anxiety disorders charity, is delighted to announce that the charity has been selected as a finalist in the prestigious national e-Wellbeing awards, in recognition of their outstanding electronic support services. The National e-Wellbeing Awards celebrate the social, economic and environmental benefits of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). �We are absolutely thrilled to have reached the final of these awards,� says Nicky Lidbetter, Chief Executive of Anxiety UK. �We have worked very hard on the development of our electronic support services, and we have supported over 18,000 people through these means in the last year. Many anxiety sufferers prefer the relative anonymity of these communication methods, and it is important that our service users have flexibility in the support they can access from us. New technologies provide us with an exciting array of communication methods, and Anxiety UK is committed to leading the field in exploiting these to provide the most beneficial choice services to those suffering from anxiety disorders and phobias.� Visitors to the Anxiety UK website now have the option to access support from trained helpline staff via �Live Help� instant messaging, as well as over the telephone. Anxiety UK also holds regular e-clinics and �webchats� with professional therapists, as well as the email support available from helpline staff. There is also an E-pals ('electronic pen pals' ) service available on the Anxiety UK website which allows people to get in touch with each other directly, something which helps enormously with reducing isolation. Social phobia or anxiety is the second most common phobia amongst members of Anxiety UK, and these services are particularly useful to them. Anxiety UK is the first mental health charity to offer support in these ways. Paul Fletcher , Anxiety UK member, says �As someone who experiences social phobia, I can have problems using the telephone and this has hindered my ability to seek advice and support in the past. Anxiety UK�s �Live Help� instant message service has enabled me to discuss my anxieties in my own time and with a medium that I feel comfortable using.� �We would like to congratulate all the organisations who have made it to the final of the 2009 National e-Wellbeing Awards,� said Chris Murray, Chief Executive of UK CEED, the body behind the e-Wellbeing awards. �We were overwhelmed by the quality of entries received this year and competition has been very strong.� For more information about the whole range of services available from Anxiety UK go to www.anxietyuk.org.uk Paul�s name has been changed to protect his anonymity

Anxiety poetry competition launched

Wed, 06 May 2009 23:00:00 GMT

Poetry Competition launched to raise funds for Anxiety UK. Sheila Cameron, published poet and children�s author, is judging a poetry competition to raise money for Anxiety UK, Britain�s leading anxiety disorders charity. Poems on the theme of �anxiety�. This can be interpreted very broadly by entrants, from describing feelings of anxiety to causes of anxiety, as well as relief from anxiety. Entrants are invited to interpret the theme as widely as they like. Many anxiety sufferers find a creative outlet is an excellent way of alleviating anxiety, and we hope that many people will enter this competition even if they have never tried writing or sharing poetry before, as well as those more experienced poets. First prize: �50 Second prize: �25 And the top five poems will all be published in the Anxious Times magazine, and on the Anxiety UK website Closing date: 31 August 2009 Please send your poems to: Anxiety poetry competition, c/o Sheila Cameron, 124 Hangleton Valley Drive, Hove, East Sussex BN3 8EJ Entrance fee: one poem for �4 and four poems for �10. Each poem can be a maximum of 40 lines long. Enclose your entrance fee in the form of a cheque made payable to �Anxiety UK�. Anxiety UK is Britain�s leading anxiety disorders charity, supporting over 30,000 anxiety sufferers every year www.anxietyuk.org.uk

Simon Webbe joins Anxiety UK as celebrity patron

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 23:00:00 GMT

Anxiety UK announces Simon Webbe, star of I�m a Celebrity and boyband Blue, as their latest celebrity patron. Anxiety UK, Britain�s leading charity supporting sufferers of anxiety disorders, is thrilled to announce that Simon Webbe has come on board as their latest celebrity patron. Simon bravely faced his several fears and phobias whilst appearing in the 2008 series of I�m a Celebrity: Get Me Out of Here. Webbe is in the news this week following the announcement that the much-loved Blue are to reform for a one-off concert. �Anxiety UK supports over 30,000 anxiety sufferers every year and I am proud to be Patron of this great charity,� said Webbe. �I suffer from phobias myself, as people saw when I appeared on I�m a Celebrity, and I want to raise awareness of quite how difficult these conditions can be to live with. People don�t realise what a tough time people with phobias and anxiety have. Anxiety conditions can cause people to become completely isolated from friends and family, lose their jobs and become unable to function in society. Anxiety UK does vital work supporting the growing number of anxiety sufferers in Britain, and I am very happy to be helping this fantastic charity in their important work.� Nicky Lidbetter, Chief Executive of Anxiety UK, is delighted to have Simon on board with the charity�s work. �We all loved watching Simon in the jungle. It is such an inspiration to anxiety sufferers when someone as successful as Simon is honest and open about their fears and phobias. It shows that anxiety conditions can affect anyone,� said Lidbetter. Anxiety UK has launched an appeal for funds, as demand for their services is going through the roof due to the economic crisis. Webbe says �Please make a donation to Anxiety UK. Demand for their services is increasing all the time, and by giving money to Anxiety UK you will be offering support to anxiety sufferers throughout the country and helping them to get the help they so desperately need. As I have phobias, I know how important it is that people get the right support. This really is an issue that affects us all and we need to ensure that Anxiety UK can continue to offer support to the people who so badly need their services.� Please donate at www.anxietyuk.org.uk/support or by calling 08444 775 774.

Anxiety UK cricket supertstar patron

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 23:00:00 GMT

Cricket superstar joins the UK�s leading anxiety charity as Patron Anxiety UK, Britain�s leading anxiety disorders charity, is thrilled to announce that Marcus Trescothick has joined the organisation as Patron. Marcus has himself suffered with anxiety and depression, and has recently described his experiences of struggling with anxiety in his autobiography Coming Back To Me. �I am delighted and proud to be a Patron of Anxiety UK,� said Marcus. �People often don�t understand how debilitating anxiety disorders can be, and the devastating effect that they have on the lives of sufferers and their families. I want to help Anxiety UK to reduce the stigma attached to these conditions, so others don�t have to feel the shame and embarrassment that I did. There are many treatments and therapies which can help, and I would advise other sufferers to get help sooner rather than later.� Anxiety UK�s Chief Executive, Nicky Lidbetter, is delighted to have Marcus on board. �A large part of our work at Anxiety UK is trying to raise awareness of anxiety disorders and reduce the stigma that sufferers feel. Having someone like Marcus Trescothick as Patron is fantastic, because he is so successful and talented. It shows that anyone can suffer with anxiety this really is an issue which affects us all � and nobody need be too ashamed to get out there and seek the help they need.� The experiences described by Marcus Trescothick in his autobiography include symptoms of panic disorder, separation anxiety, health anxiety and Generalised Anxiety Disorder � and these are all anxiety disorders which can be effectively treated with a range of therapies. Anxiety UK offers support, advice and fast access to reduced-cost therapies to anxiety sufferers throughout Britain. For more information about anxiety disorders and treatment options www.anxietyuk.org.uk Anxiety UK has launched an appeal for funds, as demand for their services is going through the roof due to the economic crisis. Trescothick says ��I would encourage anyone who has experienced anxiety to support Anxiety UK through making a donation. We know how badly anxiety sufferers need help and support, because we have been there and experienced the terrible effects that anxiety can have on your life. It is difficult for those people who have never experienced to truly understand the debilitating impact that anxiety disorders can have on people�s lives, so because of this we need to take care of each other through supporting the vital work of Anxiety UK.� Please donate at www.anxietyuk.org.uk/support or by calling 08444 775 774.

Anxiety UK campaign for agoraphobia awareness

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Britain�s leading anxiety charity campaigns for better awareness of the deadly impact of agoraphobia Anxiety UK, Britain�s leading anxiety disorders charity, is leading the way in awareness raising of the potentially deadly impact of agoraphobia. This comes after the tragic case in February of Kevin�s Keegan�s nephew�s suicide following his struggles with the condition. �Agoraphobia is a widely misunderstood and very disabling condition,� says Nicky Lidbetter, Chief Executive of Anxiety UK, who herself suffers with the condition. �Time and time again at Anxiety UK we see cases of people whose lives have been destroyed by this debilitating disorder. It can often mean people are completely isolated from society, loosing their jobs and contact with friends and family, crippled by fear.� Anxiety UK is asking health and social care professionals to recognise the potentially chronic and acute effects the condition, and treat patients appropriately. Agoraphobia is not, as often believed, a fear of open spaces. Most commonly it is a fear of panic attacks, which the sufferer believes they will have if they travel outside of their �safe zone�. In extreme cases this �safe zone� can become one room of a house, and the sufferer is afraid of even going to their own bathroom. �We implore any health or social care professional who encounters agoraphobia to take it seriously,� continues Nicky Lidbetter. �There are many treatments and therapies which have been shown to help, including telephone Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) which is obviously great for people who are unable to leave their homes. I myself have found that taking simple steps such as improving my diet and taking regular exercise have brought my agoraphobia to a manageable level. The important thing is to recognise the potential seriousness of the condition and treat it appropriately. The sooner steps are taken to alleviate the condition, the less likely it is to become entrenched and completely destroy someone�s life.� Research has found Telephone CBT to be as effective as face-to-face therapy, and this is available through Anxiety UK. For more information go to www.anxietyuk.org.uk or call 08444 775 774.

Choice needed for anxious credit crunch victims

Sun, 08 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Longer interventions and more choice needed, says Britain�s leading anxiety disorders charity Anxiety UK, Britain�s leading anxiety disorders charity supporting over 20,000 anxiety sufferers each year, has today welcomed the government funding to deal with anxiety problems caused by the recession, but has recommended that longer interventions and more choice are necessary to make a real difference to the anxiety epidemic caused by the credit crunch. �We are thrilled that the government is putting money towards the treatment of anxiety, not least because it shows they are taking the potentially disabling nature of anxiety disorders seriously. It is also fantastic that frontline workers in the DWP and the Benefits Agency are to receive training in awareness of mental health problems,� says Nicky Lidbetter, Chief Executive of Anxiety UK. �However, we urge the government to offer truly effective interventions to people struggling with anxiety. Choice is vital when offering anxiety treatments, and people often need therapy over a longer period of time than is offered through the current Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) model, which basically mean six sessions of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and you�re out. At Anxiety UK we offer fast access to a range of reduced cost treatments and therapies, available for as long as they are needed.� Anxiety UK has seen an enormous rise in calls and emails from people seeking help for their anxiety in the January/ February 2009 period. Calls to the telephone helpline have doubled and emails requesting support are up 400%. Call levels have been gradually increasing since the credit crunch began to loom large in public consciousness, but January/ February has seen a dramatic leap in this trend. A significant number of these calls relate to financial worries. �We have seen a worrying increase in call levels to our telephone helpline service, and are concerned that a mental ill health epidemic is looming due to the financial worries currently facing the population,� says Nicky Lidbetter. �Many people are experiencing anxiety for the first time because of the current financial climate, but for those who already suffer with anxiety these times are extremely hard and the worry can be unbearable.� One of the most difficult things to deal with when suffering with anxiety is the stigma and isolation that people often feel. �Joining Anxiety UK gives you access to a support network of anxiety sufferers throughout the country,� continues Nicky Lidbetter. �We are a user-led charity run by sufferers and ex-sufferers of anxiety, so we really do know how it feels. We can put you in touch with self-help groups, which play a vital role in breaking isolation. This genuine understanding of their experiences is particularly valued by our members.� Anxiety UK offer information, advice and support to those struggling with anxiety, through their telephone helpline 08444 775 774. They also provide a range of online services through the website www.anxietyuk.org.uk as well as fast access to reduced cost therapy sessions.

Massive increase in helpline calls

Tue, 03 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Massive increase in calls to anxiety charity helpline � is the credit crunch kicking in? Anxiety UK, the country�s largest anxiety disorders charity, has seen an enormous rise in calls and emails from people seeking help for their anxiety in the January/ February 2009 period. Calls to the telephone helpline have doubled and emails requesting support are up 400%. Call levels have been gradually increasing since the credit crunch began to loom large in public consciousness, but January/ February has seen a dramatic leap in this trend. A significant number of these calls relate to financial worries. �We have seen a worrying increase in call levels to our telephone helpline service, and are concerned that a mental ill health epidemic is looming due to the financial worries currently facing the population,� says Nicky Lidbetter, Anxiety UK CEO. �Many people are experiencing anxiety for the first time because of the current financial climate, but for those who already suffer with anxiety these times are extremely hard and the worry can be unbearable.� Anxiety UK offer information, advice and support to those struggling with anxiety, through their telephone helpline 08444 775 774. They also provide a range of online services through the website www.anxietyuk.org.uk as well as fast access to reduced cost therapy sessions. Nicky Lidbetter continues, �Nobody struggling with anxiety need suffer alone. We can do so much to help. Financial problems can be both a cause and a result of anxiety, and I would urge anyone who fears that their money worries are causing them anxiety problems to get in touch for advice and support.� Despite record numbers of calls answered, analysis has revealed that Anxiety UK is currently only able to answer 70% of the total calls to the helpline, due to all lines being busy or calls being made out of current hours. As the charity is running at a �25,000 per annum loss at the moment they are unable to extend the opening hours further without more funding. �We would love to be able to extend the hours of our telephone helpline and reach even more people,� added Nicky Lidbetter. �Any support you can give will make a real difference to the thousands of anxiety sufferers throughout the UK.� For information about donating to Anxiety UK go to http://www.anxietyuk.org.uk/support.php

Tragedy highlights seriousness of phobias

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Anxiety UK, formerly the National Phobics Society, and Britain�s leading charity supporting phobia and anxiety sufferers, today offer their condolences to the family of Sophie Waller, the girl who tragically died because of psychological trauma caused by dental phobia. �This is a tragic example of a phobia not being correctly diagnosed and treated appropriately,� said Nicky Lidbetter, Anxiety UK�s Chief Executive. �At Anxiety UK we try desperately to raise awareness of how debilitating these conditions can be, and this can be very challenging. Too often phobias are seen as �weird� or �funny� rather than serious problems. Unfortunately, in Sophie�s case we see the huge and terrible impact that her phobia had. It is well known that mental health services for children and adolescents are overstretched, and too often are only able to deal with what are termed serious mental health conditions to the detriment of so called common mental health problems such as anxiety. This case shows how these apparently mild to moderate problems if overlooked can become very serious matters. Our thoughts are with her family at this time, and we hope that Sophie�s case will lead to phobias and anxiety disorders being taken more seriously by the public and healthcare professionals.� Anxiety UK has recently produced a DVD and booklet looking at anxiety and phobias in children, with practical ideas to help young people suffering with an anxiety condition such as dental phobia. For more information, or for support, advice and access reduced cost therapy � for adults or children � get in touch with Anxiety UK on 08444 775 774 or www.anxietyuk.org.uk

Anxiety UK team go! Race registration open.

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Go Go Go Race registration today (Thursday 8 January) for the Great Manchester Run is open today. Register for your place at http://www.greatrun.org/Events/Event.aspx?id=4 � You will be charged �32 at registration for your place � Click �no� to running for the official charity, and also �no� to the other charities � you can then independently raise money for Anxiety UK You must register as fast as possible to ensure you get a place � the race normally fills within a week. To start raising funds for Anxiety UK � go to www.bmycharity.com/anxietyuk and select �become an online fundraiser� to create your own sponsorship webpage. You will then be able to send this link to all your colleagues, friends and family � and they will be able to sponsor you directly on this page. Anxiety UK will be with you every step of the way with fundraising and training advice.

Alarm over excessive prescription of medication

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Anxiety UK, the UK�s largest anxiety disorders charity, has today expressed great concern over the NHS figures released this week stating that 10% of people aged over 15 are being prescribed anti-depressant medication. The figures from NHS Scotland reveal worrying levels of medication being prescribed, at a time when improved access to talking therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) should be high on every mental healthcare professional�s agenda. �This is a staggering number of people being prescribed inappropriate medication, rather than being offered access to proven methods of effective therapy,� said Nicky Lidbetter, Chief Executive of Anxiety UK. �At Anxiety UK we believe in the importance of choice for sufferers of anxiety disorders and all types of mental illness. We recognise there is a place for medication in the treatment of these conditions, but usually only when other options have been tried. In the case of mild to moderate mental illness we would definitely recommend people try a talking therapy such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) before they go down the medication route. It is saddening that GPs often have limited options in terms of the treatments that they are able to refer their patients to, particularly since many patients, and indeed GPs themselves, would prefer to access a psychological therapy rather than be in receipt of prescribed medication.� Anxiety UK offers fast and reduced-cost access to a range of therapy services, including an innovative Telephone CBT service, which research has shown to be as effective as face-to-face therapy. �Telephone CBT is a great option for many sufferers, as it can be delivered to those unable to leave their homes and those living in isolated parts of the country such as rural Scotland,� continues Nicky Lidbetter. �I would encourage all those struggling with anxiety to contact Anxiety UK for advice and support, especially if your doctor is prescribing medication before other options have been explored.� For more information about the range of services provided by Anxiety UK go to www.anxietyuk.org.uk or call 08444 775 774.

Economic worries cause mental health crisis

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Anxiety UK has expressed great concern about the effects of the current economic crisis on the public�s mental health � but has also stressed that they can provide support to those struggling. This comes following the Conservative party�s estimate that the economic crisis could cause a 26% increase in mental health problems in the UK. �We have seen a worrying increase in call levels to our telephone helpline service over the last two months, and are concerned that a mental ill health epidemic is looming due to the financial worries currently facing the population,� says Nicky Lidbetter, Anxiety UK CEO. �Many people are experiencing anxiety for the first time because of the current financial climate, but for those who already suffer with anxiety these times are extremely hard and the worry can be unbearable.� Anxiety UK offer information, advice and support to those struggling with anxiety, through their telephone helpline 08444 775 774. They also provide a range of online services through the website www.anxietyuk.org.uk as well as fast access to reduced cost therapy sessions. Nicky Lidbetter continues, �Nobody struggling with anxiety need suffer alone. We can do so much to help. Winter is a challenging time for anxiety sufferers in the best of years, with the reduced daylight and pressure to get out and see family and friends. This year these problems are made even worse by the money worries we are all facing, as financial problems can be both a cause and a result of anxiety. I would urge anyone who fears that their money worries are causing them anxiety problems to get in touch for advice and support.�

Beat the Winter Blues and help anxiety sufferers

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Feel good in more ways than one this Winter � beat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), and help anxiety sufferers in Manchester and beyond Anxiety UK, Britain�s largest anxiety disorders charity is based in Hulme, and is inviting the people of the region to join their team raising badly needed funds for anxiety sufferers by running in the Great Manchester Run. Leading Anxiety UK�s team of runners who will be taking part in the Great Manchester Run in May 2009, is Nicky Lidbetter, the charity�s Chief Executive. Nicky has had personal experience of agoraphobia and found exercise, particularly running, to be key to managing her anxiety. �One in ten people will suffer from a disabling anxiety disorder at some point in their lives. This is a problem which touches all of our lives in some way, and running has been proven to be fantastic for reducing stress and improving wellbeing and mental health generally. I would encourage everyone reading this to get in touch with Anxiety UK to join our team and run in the Great Manchester Run next Spring. We will be with you every step of the way, with training and fundraising advice.� It has been estimated that as many as a third of people may suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) over these dark Winter months, and exercise is great way of boosting mood, and also your immune system. So it�s a win-win situation for Anxiety UK team runners Anxiety UK, previously known as the National Phobics Society, was set up at 1970 by Harold and Katharine Fisher from their house in Chorlton. Katharine suffered from agoraphobia and panic attacks, and was prescribed tranquilisers by her GP. She and her husband set up a small self help group in Manchester, as an alternative to simply medicating anxiety sufferers. They were quickly flooded with calls from people all over the UK in similar situations, and the organisation became national as a result of this demand. Today Anxiety UK supports thousands of anxiety sufferers from all over the country from their Hulme office their telephone helpline alone receives over 16,000 calls a year. However, the charity is currently running at a �25,000 loss per annum, and badly needs funds in order to continue delivering its vital services. To register your interest in joining the Anxiety UK team please email Anna Caig on anna@anxietyuk.org.uk or call 08444 775 774

Social Anxiety Event, London 2008

Sat, 22 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The event marks the beginning of the end of the suffering from social anxiety disorder, and to bring the fun back into social situations. There will be many workshops on the day including laughter therapy, the fun revolution, NLP confidence building, Massage, Chill out room with Shiatsu massage and fresh juice, Dr.Colin Barron will give a talk on the use of TFT for Social Anxiety Disorder and an introduction to Thought Field Therapy. Westminster Academy The Naim Dangoor Centre 255 Harrow Road London W2 5EZ Saturday 22nd November 2008 9:30am - 5:30pm �10 advanced booking, �12 on the day. I am an ex sufferer who feels inspired to help others overcome this disorder, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I want to bring back the fun in social situations for you all. The event will be a conference style event with various workshops, but with added fun. You will be in a safe, non-judgmental environment and you will not be made to do anything you don't want to do. But believe me when I say this, the bigger the challenge the bigger the breakthrough you will have Please have a look on http://www.leadinglight.org.uk tickets are available to buy online It's going to be a fun day, you will leave feeling inspired and fully self expressed

Emetophobia Petition reaches 10 downing street!

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

An Emeotphobia sufferer has set up a petition on the 10 downing street website to ask for greater numbers of and more varied treatments for this debilitating condition. To sign up go to http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/HelpTheEmets/ We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to Help with the phobia-Emetophobia, the fear of vomiting. To provide free treatments, strong anti-emetics when necessary and create more awareness regarding this distressing and inhibiting phobia.

National Treatment Service for people with OCD

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 23:00:00 GMT

The National Commissioning Group of the Department of Health has established a national treatment service for people with OCD who have either not benefited from previous treatments or suffered setbacks after treatment. Treatment will be delivered by highly expert specialists in OCD. The treatment centres involved in this service include: The Centre for Anxiety Disorders and Trauma at the Maudsley Hospital (an adult outpatient service directed by Professor Paul Salkovskis - Anxiety UK Patron). The Anxiety Disorder Residential Unit at the Bethlem Hospital (a residential unit directed by Dr David Veale). The Child and Adolescent OCD Service at the Maudsley Hospital (directed by Dr Isobel Heyman). St Georges Hospital (directed by Dr Lynne Drummond). The Queen Elizabeth II Hospital (predominantly for medication directed by Professor Naomi Fineberg). To be eligible for treatment under this service, the OCD must be severe, the person must have completed two or more sets of CBT, and had adequate trials of appropriate medication. The advantages of this service include a minimal waiting list for treatment, and the fact that local services (e.g. Community Mental Health Teams) have to make a referral but don't have to fund the treatment (which is funded on a national basis). For more information about the service offered at the Centre for Anxiety Disorders and Trauma, London please visit the website: http://psychology.iop.kcl.ac.uk/cadat/NCG/default.aspx

OCD UK CONFERENCE

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 23:00:00 GMT

OCD UK have invited Anxiety UK members to attend their annual conference at a discounted amount (�25 reduced to �20, then �10 for each partner/family member, i.e. �30 for two people). They are also interested in anyone who is willing to contribute poetry, music or dance to the festival. Just contact them on 0845 120 3778 or go to http://www.ocduk.org/pdf/conference2008.pdf for the conference details

Anxiety UK supports OCD Action in conference

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 23:00:00 GMT

OCD Action have approached ANXIETY UK as a supporter of their annual OCD conference that will run on the 22nd NOV. For more details please call the helpline on 08444 775 774 or contact OCD Action via their website on www.ocdconference.org.uk

Marcus Trescothick joins ANXIETY UK

Sun, 31 Aug 2008 23:00:00 GMT

Marcus Trescothick joins ANXIETY UK to bring anxiety disorders out of the shadows On the day his autobiography is released describing his experiences of anxiety and depression, Marcus Trescothick has joined ANXIETY UK, the UK's largest anxiety disorders charity, to raise awareness of these serious conditions. "People often don't understand how debilitating anxiety disorders can be, and the devastating effect that they have on the lives of sufferers and their families," said Marcus. "I am joining with ANXIETY UK to reduce the stigma attached to these conditions, so others don't have to feel the shame and embarrassment that I did. There are many treatments and therapies which can help, and I would advise other sufferers to get help sooner rather than later." ANXIETY UK has today commended Marcus Trescothick's bravery and openness in telling the moving story of his struggles with anxiety, but has expressed concern that once again depression is overshadowing anxiety in the coverage of his experiences. "A large part of ANXIETY UK's work is raising awareness of anxiety disorders, and we often struggle because anxiety disorders remain in the shadow of depression," said Nicky Lidbetter, CEO of ANXIETY UK. "In reality people often suffer from anxiety as their primary condition, which leads to depression. Who wouldn't become depressed if they were faced with living with high levels of anxiety and fear every day?" The experiences described by Marcus Trescothick involve symptoms of panic disorder, separation anxiety, health anxiety and generalised anxiety disorder - and these are all anxiety disorders which can be effectively treated with a range of therapies, if diagnosed correctly. Nicky Lidbetter continues. "Anxiety disorders are distinct from depression, and require different treatment. It is worrying that in the coverage of these vivid personal experiences which involve so much anxiety, we still see depression is the word which makes it into the headlines. It is vital that people understand the nature of anxiety, so it can be effectively treated before developing into depression. We would recommend that anyone suffering with symptoms similar to those described by Trescothick should contact ANXIETY UK for advice, information and access to reduced cost therapy sessions." For more information about anxiety disorders and the treatment options available to sufferers go to www.anxietyuk.org.uk

Telephone CBT skills masterclass

Sun, 27 Jul 2008 23:00:00 GMT

TELEPHONE CBT MASTERCLASS - Manchester 24 October 2008 The NPS is holding a one day workshop which will review the evidence for the use of telephone CBT and will provide a masterclass in its practical application. The workshop will be of particular relevance to NPS therapists already delivering therapy by phone, but also to those CBT practitioners who might consider working in this way in the future. Delivered by Professor Karina Lovell (University of Manchester) and Nicky Lidbetter (CEO, National Phobics Society), the workshop will provide a valuable insight into the research currently being undertaken in this area and delegates should leave the day with enhanced clinical skills in telephone based CBT intervention. To book your place on this workshop please visit our online shop

New Toilet Phobia Summary Sheets

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 23:00:00 GMT

Following the success of the Toilet Phobia (TP) professional chat sessions, the NPS is happy to bring TP sufferers a new resource - summary sheets from the professional chats. See the Toilet Phobia webpages for more information. They consist of summaries of the advice and queries of TP sufferers that have attended the previous 3 professional chats on urology, cCBT and Clinical Hypnotherapy, and were joined by leading figures from each area of expertise. This advice may also be useful to sufferers of other conditions.

Improve your self esteem with 'Truly Me!'

Sun, 15 Jun 2008 23:00:00 GMT

A great new website is looking for women to share their anxiety or phobia stories. www.trulyme.co.uk focuses on putting women first and building their self-esteem through sharing stories that will help others feel more positive. It's founder is passionate about reminding women how great they are and the site allows women to talk about different issues (including phobias) and read stories of others experiences. It also encourages you to spoil yourself (or your nicest friends) on the basis that you really deserve to treat yourself now and again. So, if you want to help other women and are a sucker for really beautiful, one-off treats or amazing experiences this site could be your latest feel-good find.

EFT service now online!!

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 23:00:00 GMT

As an EFT practitioner specialising in anxiety, I will be available to offer information about EFT and answer questions about how to use it for self-help. I hope to be able to provide some ideas for setup phrases as well as recommendations for working with different aspects of the problem. I am offering Thursday evenings once per month from 8-9pm beginning June 26th and 24th July, 28th August, 25th September, 23rd October, 20th November and 18th December. Marian EFT Practitioner

Self Esteem/ Presentation Skills Workshops

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 23:00:00 GMT

NPS will be running the extremely popular self esteem and presentation skills workshops again this year in Manchester and London. The dates of the workshops are: Self esteem and Assertiveness Manchester- 12th July London- 20th September Presentation Skills and public Speaking Manchester 14th June London 8th November

CHILDREN & ANXIETY: CBT Skills Training

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 23:00:00 GMT

NPS in conjunction with MacQuarie University (Sydney) are holding a series of one day training courses that will allow those with a background in CBT psychology or those with significant experience of working clinically with young people, to be equipped to deliver a structured CBT program for the treatment of anxiety disorders in children and young people.