A new anger management course to help short-tempered in Truro and Hayle

Thursday, April 11, 2013

West Briton

A SHORT-TEMPERED father of three is getting a grip on his rages thanks to a new 'walk-in' anger management course.

Robert Richards from Camborne said he used to verbally abuse and scream at people closest to him.

"I always blamed others rather than me taking the brunt of it," he said. "It was all to do with stress, anxiety, worry and other everyday life-type things."

But everything changed for the 38-year-old former Cornwall Air Ambulance van driver, who is now unemployed, after he joined one of the county's first NHS-funded anger management courses.

He said the five-week course in January helped him to cope better with life and deal with his anger and irritability.

"Now, after the course, it's almost second nature to pause, stop for a second and take myself out of the situation," he said.

"Learning how to do this has changed everything for me.

"Don't get me wrong, I'm not perfect, but my anger is much easier to control now.

"My road rage was quite bad before but even that has massively calmed down as well."

Also on the pilot course was Natasha Mizon, 24, from Truro.

She said she had difficulty keeping her temper under control, especially with her partner.

"I'd feel like everything was unfair," she said.

"It always felt like I could burst with frustration and anger.

"Not having control is a big deal to me because I like being in control of myself so I'm pleased that I've managed to address the problem."

The courses, called Getting A Grip On Anger, are free of charge and are being delivered by Outlook South West.

The first starts at the Passmore Edwards Institute in Hayle on May 1 between 2pm and 3pm.

The second free course starts on May 7 between 6.30pm and 8pm and takes place at Carrick Sports and Recreational Centre in Truro.

For more information call Outlook South West on 01208 871905 or visit www.outlooksw.co.uk