“The online Stepping Stones course helped me through lockdown. It felt good to connect to others and art therapy was a great stress reliever.”
The Stepping Stones project offers support to people who experience mild to moderate mental health needs through an exciting range of low-cost courses that vary each term.
Please see details below of how to join Stepping Stones online courses running during the summer term 2021. These courses are open to all Harrow residents with mental health needs. We understand that these are challenging times and apologise that we are not able to run any face-to-face courses at the moment because of social distancing requirements.
All our Stepping Stones summer term courses are now being offered free and online using Zoom video conferencing with tutor guidance.
Please note that you will need to have the technology required to access these courses; a smartphone, iPad/tablet or computer/laptop with Wi-Fi internet access for Zoom video calling so that you can view our tutors teaching a live class.
You will also need to have an email address so that we can send you a link to join the class. You will need to download Zoom first to your device to be able to participate. In the pre-group session we will show you how to use Zoom so that you can make the most of the course.
The summer 2021 Stepping Stones online courses on offer are:
Wednesdays and Fridays 11.00am-12.30pm
A course for men only; which will equip you with the tools to build your self-confidence, assertiveness and resilience. It is also an opportunity to connect with other like-minded men.
The course will be focused on areas and issues which affect men, such as societal pressure to ‘be strong’ and mask emotions. It will offer constructive ways to be more active and set goals for your self-development to get the life you want.
All men are welcome to join this course and stay connected.
Tuesdays 10.00am-11.30am and
Wednesdays 1.30pm-3.00pm
Doodle Art is a wonderful form of art therapy, allowing its users to slow down, focus and de-stress.
In this course you will explore how to create a visual storyboard with doodle art. The tutor will demonstrate how to create doodle icons and motifs using basic shapes specific to a story, and how storytelling with doodle art helps to relax, boost self-confidence and express your own thoughts.
Mondays and Thursdays 3.00pm-4.30pm
You will learn a number of creative things to do for relaxation and enjoyment. Each week will cover a separate subject and these will include: Photography, creative writing, video, vision boards, goal setting and individual and group visual projects.
Through various forms of creativity you will develop your confidence and explore fun ways of managing your mood as a daily practice with creative tools and expression. You will be able to share your inspirational ideas and learn from others.
Tuesdays and Fridays 2.30pm-4.00pm
Singing is the most wonderful and natural form of self-expression. If you enjoy singing, or the idea of being able to sing, then this is the course for you. No previous singing experience is required.
The focus is on you developing your singing skills, building your confidence and finding your inner melody. From simple songs and rounds and an introduction to basic vocal and breathing techniques, you will be able to share your ideas and passion for the music you like, explore new and familiar styles of music, learn from others and play musical games.
Mondays and Thursdays 11.00am-12.30pm
Yoga is a holistic practice that enhances your physical health and creates mental clarity and calmness. In this course you will work with the breath and move at a comfortable pace increasing body awareness, strength and flexibility and reducing symptoms of stress, depression and anxiety. For Men and Women.
This course is for everyone, no previous experience is necessary.
These online courses run over a 9-10 week period. This includes a pre-group session, six weeks of classes guided by a tutor, a post-group session and a one week break for half term.
Please ensure that you can make the time commitment before expressing your interest in any courses, as places are limited and we could lose funding from non-attendance.
* It is essential that learners attend the pre and post group sessions.
To: SteppingStones@mindinharrow.org.uk with the following information:
All new learners will be required to have a short interview via video call with the Stepping Stones team to assess their suitability for the course. All learners who are interested in joining the physical activity course will need to complete a physical activity questionnaire. We cannot guarantee any places until all forms have been completed and we are satisfied of your suitability for the course.
We try and ensure that all applicants get a place on at least one online course. If there are places left we will try and offer you a place on a second course, if you have requested this in your email to us. If you can make the time commitment we may offer you a place on a third course if there is availability.
We look forward to hearing from you and welcoming you to the summer term 2021 of Stepping Stones courses.
Please email us at: SteppingStones@mindinharrow.org.uk if you have any queries.
We will be dealing with a large amount of emails so please be patient as we may take some time to respond.
90%
of learners felt they have made new friends and acquaintances as a result of participating in a Stepping Stones course
95%
of learners felt the Stepping Stones project helped them to meet their personal goals
85%
of learners felt more comfortable being with other people as a result of the Stepping Stones course
