Valleys Steps is a local organisation offering free, open access, self help courses in Stress Control and Mindfulness to help people better understand and manage their feelings in order to improve their wellbeing. Courses are available throughout?Rhondda Cynon Taff and Merthyr Tydfil.

Service Manager of Valleys Steps, Richard Bundy said:

The first two years have been extremely exciting and busy for Valleys Steps. It’s been great to see people engaging in the courses, feeding back how it has had a positive effect on their Well-being and we are looking forward to reaching out to more of the population going forward.

Having achieved a successful pilot, Valleys Steps has been tasked with?providing those experiencing low-level anxiety and depression, with a genuine alternative to prescription medication or referral to mental health services.

In Valleys Steps’ first year, they ran 77 local courses which were attended by nearly 2000 people. Feedback from participants has been very pleasing, along with consistent increased well-being scoring.

Local GPs are supportive of the courses too, as they are seen to provide a genuine alternative to patients who are seeking to improve their wellbeing and reduce their stress.

General practitioner Jonathan Richards said:

Everyone experiences stress in their lives and times when they are anxious or low in mood. Valleys Steps is a great resource to teach people how to manage the ups and downs of life. It helps that access is so easy and Valleys Steps courses are for anyone. The practitioners are well trained and I have confidence in them and the courses.