This event went well today and was very well received by those attending.    We provided tips on awareness and managing emotional and practical issues being raised by lack of income, money saving, stress and getting/taking action to support yourself through difficult times.  

The idea of these presentations is to offer tips and encourage you to think about what concerns you or makes life difficult - and then how you can better manage yourself and your situation.   

Today we offered tips on managing:

Stress - understanding what happens physically, the impact and problems that stress creates and tips on how to

reduce your stress (remove stressors, relaxation, distraction, personal control).

Commication - know your strengths (VAK - are you visual, kinaesthetic or visual to learn and communicate?)

and ensure that the message you send is the one you want the other person to receive in spite of their

experiences and 'filters' which can change the message to fit their own expectations.

Planning - looking forward no matter how pointless or difficult that might be.

Avoiding 'learned helplessness' where you start to believe 'there's no poing trying anymore' and to plan

ahead for what you want and how to get there, with life coaching - decide where you want to be, develop an

action plan and then act; review your plans regularly and revise with each new development.

Financial tips from my colleague John -

How to save money with shopping - make a list and stick to it

Tips on benefits and ensure you get what you are entitled to

Plan ahead for the year - insurance

Understanding how to avoid or manage debts

Links to research and compare information

What do you need to manage, think about and manage during this Credit Crunch?

Money & income

Home and family - security

Relationships - family, friends - time and effort, communication, consideration, undersanding

Making time for everything - job hunting, family needs and support, business development

Continuous personal and professional development which is still a need once the basic needs are met (Maslow)

Self image and skills/resources e.g. building resilience, improving specific skills to achieve your aims, improving your confidence or self-esteem after losing or missing jobs or opportunities perhaps?

Workshops and presentations will continue during 2011 at venues in Oldham and Saddleworth, offering guidance, tips and techniques to improve the outlook individually and within the community, through Clear Mind Coaching & Counselling and CAOS (Community Action Outreach Services).