The Wise Group has launched an online group therapy programme which will provide a suite of self-care toolkits for people struggling with their mental health during the coronavirus pandemic.

Re-Connect CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) will run online for twelve weeks, with the first sessions starting on 1 June 2020.

A range of topics will be covered, including; Anxiety, Depression, Loss, Anger and Domestic Violence.

Alex Cochrane, Counsellor at the Wise Group, said: “Re-Connect CBT will offer a lifeline for people primarily in the social care system, supporting them remotely when most face-to-face delivery has stopped.

"Sessions can be accessed free online or by phone and will provide a self-care toolkit to minimise the impact of mental ill health, improve emotional and psychological wellbeing and reduce the impact of isolation resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic.

"By bringing people together remotely to work through the challenges they face, we can improve the wellbeing of our communities while supporting the work of our key workers.”

Starting from this week, a programme of one hour group sessions, covering anxiety, depression, loss, anger and domestic violence will be made available on a four weekly rolling basis for a period of twelve weeks.

Each topic has four sessions and people can dip in and out as little or as often as they need.

Kathryn Lindsay, Convenor of Social Work Scotland, added:

“Social Work Scotland anticipates there will be a demand for Re-Connect CBT.

"Lockdown and isolation is likely to result in poorer mental health, increased substance use and domestic violence.

"An intervention like remote CBT can help people self-care and minimise the impact of the pandemic.

"This innovative programme will complement the ongoing work of social work and our partners."