Addressing anxiety with free workshops

A free workshop that will help people cope with anxiety will take place in Steinbach, one of three locations announced by Recovery of Hope, a professional counselling service operated as part of Eden Healthcare Services.

Called Roots of Anxiety: Nurturing Wellbeing in a Worried World, the workshops are being offered at no cost for the first time thanks to sponsorships.

Sam Macaulay, administrative coordinator for Recovery of Hope, said they hope this is the beginning of more no-cost workshops.

“Taking away the barrier of fees opens our workshops to a much wider audience of folks, giving those who may not be in a place to afford regular support to gain the tools and knowledge they may not have and the chance to discover,” she said. “That has been our biggest inspiration, to give opportunity for learning and growth to those who may need it most.”

The workshops will be hosted in Steinbach, Winkler and Winnipeg in February and March and will be led by Andrea Dyck, a Canadian certified counsellor.

“The two-hour evening workshop focuses on understanding why anxiety is increasing in today’s world, how it presents in both adults and children, and practical, attachment-safe strategies to support emotional wellbeing,” they said in a news release.

Kim Thiessen of Recovery of Hope said they’ve learned over time that people who could benefit most from this education often cannot afford a workshop.

“This shift allows us to respond to that reality in a way that aligns with our values – ensuring an accessible space to learn, reflect, and grow without cost being a deciding factor,” she said.

The community-sponsored model also creates opportunities for businesses, churches and employers to play an active role in supporting mental wellbeing.

“Community sponsorship allows the impact of this workshop to extend well beyond a single evening,” Thiessen said. “It supports ongoing access to counselling for those who need it most, while also giving organizations a meaningful way to invest in mental health within their own communities.”

The first workshop took place Feb. 18 in Winnipeg. Winkler will host one on Feb. 25 and the third will take place in Steinbach on March 5 at 7 p.m.

The workshop will explore why anxiety is on the rise, different manifestations of alarm in adults and children and practical strategies to lower alarm and reduce anxiety.

They are open to everyone.

“Andrea has built this workshop to not only support individuals and their struggles, but also for those who are looking for guidance on how to also support their loved ones who may also be struggling,” Macaulay said.

Pre-registration is required for the Steinbach workshop as there is limited seating.

For more information or to register, call 204-477-4673 or email info@recoveryofhope.ca.