As the days get shorter and darker, the weather colder and gloomier, many of us also experience decline in our energy levels and mood. The seasons play a huge role in how we feel, and learning to manage the challenges of the winter months is vital for our mental wellbeing. For some, the changing seasons can trigger Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) - this is not a myth, this is a real form of depression that can be debilitating for those suffering from it. This helpful blog by Rochelle Armstrong, published by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, provides some helpful and practical advice for those navigating the 'winter blues' - which includes knowing when to seek professional help for your mental health: https://www.bacp.co.uk/news/news-from-bacp/blogs/2024/blogs-and-vlogs/3-december-understanding-seasonal-affective-disorder-navigating-the-winter-blues/ Counselling can help equip you with valuable strategies for managing when the world - or your world - feels dark and alone. Listening Post provide low-cost, professional counselling to adults across Gloucestershire on a range of sites, whatever your financial or social background. (fb)

UPDATE: DUE TO UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES WE HAVE HAD TO POSTPONE THE LISTENING SKILLS COURSE UNTIL JANUARY 2026. You can still use the form below to register and express your interest. We apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused. NEW Professional Listening Skills Intensive Weekend Course - enroll now for this November 👂 How good a listener are you, really? You might not be as good as you think... Enhance your Listening Skills with us over two weekends and learn how to better support those around you. Appliable to a wide range of professional and voluntary settings, or a helpful taster for exploring further counselling training. This new format replaces our former 10-week evening course in Cheltenham, delivering the same CPCAB-accredited Level 1 materials and taught by experienced counselling tutors. We still have spaces available after giving priority to those on our waitlist - details as follows: Weekend 1: Saturday 8th Nov - 9.00am-1.30pm Sunday 9th Nov - 10.00am-3.00pm Weekend 2: Saturday 22nd Nov- 10.00am-3.00pm Sunday 23rd Nov- 10.00am-3.00pm Held at Hester's Way Community Centre, Cassin Drive, Cheltenham, GL51 7SU. Cost: £320 For more information and booking, head to: https://listeningpost.org.uk/training/ (fb)