Back to Life, Back to Normality
A free 12-week mental health programme, using both mindfulness and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) concepts, for stress, anxiety, low mood and depression.
Back to Life, Back to Normality is a free 12-week mental health course from AWARE NI. This programme is designed to support people across Northern Ireland experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, and low mood. The programme is delivered in a supportive group setting, primarily online, and is divided into two 6-week courses using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness techniques.
This mental health course will help you better understand and manage feelings of stress, anxiety, and low mood. You’ll learn practical CBT-based skills to cope with everyday challenges, as well as mindfulness techniques to support emotional wellbeing, reduce stress, and improve your overall mental health.
What You’ll Learn:
1. Part 1 – Living Life to the Full CBT course (2 hours per week)
This six-session course is based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), one of the most effective evidence-based approaches for managing anxiety, depression, and low mood. You’ll learn how to recognise unhelpful thinking patterns and develop practical skills to improve your mood and cope with life’s challenges.
Learn more about AWARE NI's Living Life to the full programme.
2. Part 2 – Mindfulness (2 hours per week)
This six-session introductory mindfulness course explores how mindfulness can support your mental health and wellbeing. Each session introduces practical techniques such as breathing exercises, body scans, and mindful awareness to help you feel calmer, more present, and better able to manage stress.
Learn more about AWARE NI's Introduction to Mindfulness programme.
How the Course is Delivered:
This course is delivered online to participants across Northern Ireland in a supportive group environment. Regular attendance and active participation are encouraged to help you get the most benefit from each session.
This project is supported by the Department of Health Mental Health Fund & The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland.
What Participants Say
"Since completing the course, I have become more practised at catching my thoughts and recognising unhelpful thinking, and I'm trying to be more open-minded and recognise the small things that happen every day."
What Participants Say
"I learned a lot about how to overcome and change my negative thoughts and take time to calm my emotions."
What Participants Say
"This course helped me learn how to recognise my triggers, how to think things through better and what makes me deal with stressful situations."
Hear from a Participant:
"It's one of the best things I have done for my mental health... it has changed my mindset completely."
Watch the video below and hear directly from Fiona how Back to Life, Back to Normality had a massive impact on managing her mental health.
How to Apply:
Back to Life, Back to Normality is accessed through referral from a mental health practitioner. If you feel this course may be helpful, please speak to your GP, mental health practitioner, or other relevant healthcare professional about being referred.