A NEW mental health group has been launched in Swindon to support people who cannot afford personal coaching.

Michelle Phillips is behind Mind Harmony, which helps participants build self acceptance and mental resilience.

She said: “I’ve recognised so many people could benefit from coaching but it’s not always accessible due to cost.

“So I set about devising a way I could make coaching available and affordable for everyone using simple, manageable day-to-day techniques.

“If I’d had the help I’m offering then perhaps many of life’s challenges wouldn’t have taken their toll on me the way they did.”

The turning point for Michelle was seeing a picture of herself as a child.

She said: “I realised I was worth loving, protecting and rescuing and that’s how I set about using the techniques I teach in Mind Harmony.”

Sessions take place every Wednesday from 7pm to 9pm at Shaw Ridge Primary School.

Michelle said: “Each session will include mindfulness, meditation or a breathing exercise, gratitude practice, acknowledgement of your achievements – no matter how big or small – in the form of self-praise and goal setting to help you gently more forward in a supported way.

“These sessions are about you and your journey and I’ll teach you how to compare yourself today with your previous self and stop comparing yourself to others.”

As part of the programme, Michelle wanted to offer accessible techniques.

She said: “Regardless of your mindset we can all use these techniques to enhance mental and wellbeing and help you to believe you can achieve your ambitions and dreams.

“The agenda is similar every week because this is about providing you with the opportunity to create new ways of thinking and behaving to become new healthy habits.

“You can even benefit from making new friends and connections within our community.”

Five people have attended the first event.

One woman, who wished not to be named, said: “ I left the session, got into the car and went home feeling special and confident.

"I’m really lacking self-confidence at the moment but during the session the room was filled with positive vibes and it was very empowering."

For further information visit: www.magneticmindset.org