LESSONS in being happier and more in control of life will soon start at the Salvation Army in Crook.

Four free courses are due to start next week covering life skills topics such as stress management, building self-confidence, effective communication and being more assertive.

The courses run for four consecutive Wednesdays, and start with Stress Management on May 15 from 10am to 1pm.

The Salvation Army’s Life Coach, Daria Allison said: “The courses have been designed to help people in their everyday lives and to encourage them to achieve bigger and better things.

“Many people feel that they lose a bit of direction at different times in their life.

“Big life changing situations, for example, make people re-think where they are going with their lives, and often they like some support to make changes.

“The courses are aimed at increasing skills to make people feel ready to take that next step.”

While the courses are open to anyone, they will be of particular benefit to jobseekers and those who would like a boost after long-term unemployment.

Crook Salvation Army also runs a job club for 16 to 25-year-olds on Mondays and Wednesdays and offer free appointments with a Job Life Coach who can help discuss job and life possibilities.

For more information on the job club, or to book a consultation or a place on the courses, contact Joe Kirwin on 01388-762655.