A SELF-HELP course designed to encourage happiness is being run by Darwen's Raphael Holistic Centre.

The six-week course is aimed at helping to change people's lives, belief systems and develop a sense of humour.

Each week from January 19, organisers will lead discussions, exercises and meditation in a bid to encourage happiness.

The course, also scheduled for January 25, February 2, 16 and 23 and March 2 between 10am and noon, is being run along side an Inner-Child Group Work session, which begins at the centre on February 9.

Inner-child group therapy is believed to be an effective way for people to recognise and change destructive behaviour and patterns.

The workshops aim to get people in touch with their 'inner-child' and work through feelings buried since childhood.

That course will take place between 10.30am and 1.30pm with further dates to be confirmed during the first session.

Regular events held at the holistic centre are yoga sessions, on Monday and Tuesday nights between 7.30 and 9pm, and meditation classes on Tuesday evenings between 7.30 and 9pm.

Allergy testing and a homeopathist are also available.

For further details on any of these courses, contact the Raphael Holistic Centre, in Bank Chambers, Belgrave Square, Darwen, tel 01254 774460.