A CHILDREN’S centre will be hosting sessions with an anxiety coach to help children overcome their fears and build their self-esteem.

Go Bananas, at the Cowdray Centre, in Mason Road, Colchester, will begin working in partnership with a Stop, Talk, Imagine, Listen, Learn (STILL) method anxiety coach Nadia Curtis.

Mrs Curtis, 37, of Heath Road, Wivenhoe, said she first attended a STILL method workshop as a parent and said she could instantly see how the method can support children who are experiencing mild anxiety by helping them to become more resilient and to manage their own anxiety.

She said: “It is a fun but powerful system for overcoming anxiety and raising self-esteem through talking, listening and interaction.

“The sessions are fun where we will play games, draw, talk and provide children and young people with the techniques to deal with feelings, panic attacks, fears and phobias, such as school-related fears or standing up to others.”

Mrs Curtis said she’s looking forward to bringing the sessions to Colchester and is pleased to be working with Go Bananas.

“I’m excited to be part of the team of anxiety coaches who are making a difference to the lives of children,” she said.

The workshop, which will run for six weeks, will start on Monday, February 24, where Mrs Curtis will be working with a group of ten children aged eight years or over.

Parents will be asked to drop off their children and be only invited to the last ten minutes of the last workshop, where they will be taught what they need to do at home.

A spokesman for Go Bananas said: “We have seen first-hand how anxiety can affect children and it is amazing to see there is some support and help for them and their mental health.

“Hopefully children will enjoy using the soft play facilities after their sessions as a chance to unwind and relax.”

To book or for more information, email nadia.curtis@thestillmethod.co.uk.