"Longford Acorn CDP (Community Development Project) places significant emphasis on enabling people who are socially excluded to address the issues which affect them. This affords the project a clear understanding of the many needs and issues within the community setting. It enables the project to address and respond to these issues in a strategic, sustainable and meaningful way.

Longford Acorn CDP believes that by working as partners with local people through the inclusion of their own experiences, values, attitudes and skills into the planning and implementation of strategies and initiatives it will enable communities, to develop long-lasting solutions within their own communities.

It was in this context that we invited Des Canning to speak to a group of 20 participants most of whom are front line caring staff and volunteers to talk about Mental Health and Well-Being. The emphasis was on caring for ourselves the carers. If we cannot do this for ourselves how can we do it for others?

There was an overwhelming positive response to Des's presentation. He got us to examine our own responses to situations that cause us to stress and enabled us to view things in ways that are more rational and positive. What I found particularly useful was the way Des applied 'The Four Agreements' by Don Miguel Ruiz as follows:

Be impeccable with your word - Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.

Don't take anything personally - Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won't be the victim of needless suffering.

Don't make assumptions - Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.

Always do your best - Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgement, self-abuse and regret.

Everybody in the group could identify that they tended to take things personally and to make assumptions. However being aware of this now will enable us to catch ourselves when we do and change the script!

So on behalf of Acorn CDP and the recipients of Des's workshop. I want to say a big thank-you and we will be back for more!"

Josephine Stroker, General Manager,

"The Stop Smoking Programme provided by Des Canning for Staff Members at Meteor Mobile Communications proved to be a hugely successful and worthwhile experience. It accomplished two key goals. Firstly it assisted smokers in Meteor to understand the psychological factors associated with smoking and secondly, it provided each participant with practical tools to succeed in stopping the smoking habit permanently. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive with a high percentage of participants achieving success. In our view Des Canning's “Stub It Out Programme” would benefit any individual wishing to stop smoking or indeed any corporate entity interested in the health and welfare of its Staff."

Brid O'Brien, Human Resources Director, Meteor Mobile Communications.

"From the world around you or sometimes even from a painting or photograph or a story you've read, you can obtain much inspiration. Inspiration is difficult because it may come from so many different places! But one thing I will assure you of is this - a programme of psychotherapy with Des Canning results in a variety of exciting influences which will transform your thought processes, your outlook and your very destiny via a metamorphosis of the self, induced by the depth of his understanding of humanity in its many and challenging varieties."

Chris Gavican

Psychotherapist (retired), County Leitrim.

"You have helped me to find myself again and the journey will continue!

Theresa, 38 year old, healthcare worker, County Roscommon.

"I just wanted to say Thank-You so much for helping me to get my confidence back and for listening."

Josephine, 35 year old, nurse, County Longford.

"There is a recession sweeping the country, but it was my personal recession that troubled me most, until I stopped by and spoke to you. Thank-You for helping me find my value again, my personal recession is officially over."

Sarah, 30 year old business owner, County Galway.

"I didn't believe there was a solution to my problems, the initial assessment consultation surprised me. I have attended other therapists, while their therapy was good, it did not get to the root cause of my problems. You were fearless in your search for the answers and as you said, I was brave in responding, Thank-You Des."

Peter, 29 year old, self employed, County Mayo.

"Thank-You for listening and for caring, it was difficult for me to open up at first. I know, as a long held low self-esteem was telling me that I was not good enough. This feeling had ruled my life for longer than I care to remember. Since our sessions I feel I can finally say, I have started to live again, the future looks much brighter."

Karen, 35 year old, nurse, County Meath.

"You did say that it would not be easy, and it wasn't, you said I might cry and I did,you said I would learn to live again and i have. Thank-You Des."

Cathy, 45 year old housewife, County Roscommon.

"I feel much happier and more positive now, I am so glad I'm feeling better, I have come so far. It's easier said than done to be positive in some situations, but I can do it. I will always remember 'The Anchor' who knows i may even pass it onto my children someday, Thank-You."

Lorraine, 23 year old, primary school teacher, County Westmeath.

"The spiritual part of my life has returned, you said it was just hidden, out of my view and so it was, your gentle kind encouragement has awakened a new me."

Gavin, 25 year old actor, County Dublin.