A STRESS awareness course has been launched to help people through the credit crunch.

St John Ambulance, based locally on the Countess of Chester Health Park, hopes it will identify, prevent and treat the symptoms and effects of stress – crucial skills to have during the world’s present financial problems when stress is at a high.

Stress, depression or anxiety account for approximately 13.8 million reported lost working days per year in Britain, with 530,000 individuals believing they are experiencing workplace stress at a level that is making them ill.

Clive James, training manager at St John Ambulance in Chester, said: “Our new course will help you understand the causes of stress, in both the workplace and the home.

“In increasingly uncertain times, feelings of lack of control are often the root of stress, and anxiety can be a major factor in ill health and strains on personal and professional relationships.”

The three-hour course, which contains valuable information for employers, employees and the public, covers defining stress, causes of stress, coping with stress, immediate and long-term solutions, and risk assessment.

The course costs £65 plus VAT per person. It will next be held at the St John Ambulance training centre in Chester on Friday.

For details or to book a place, visit www.sja.org.uk, call 01244 383407 or email training@cheshire. sja.org.uk