Renowned hypnotist Chris Hughes and a host of celebrity friends look to help tackle the anxiety epidemic through a unique charity event

With over 8 million cases of anxiety in the UK and an estimated one in six of us experiencing common mental health problems each week, it’s hard to deny just how big of an impact our mental ill health can have on our day-to-day lives.

To help raise awareness and tackle the growing rise of anxiety, practising clinical hypnotherapist Chris Hughes has announced his plans to host an upcoming charity event. Using his talents and celebrity connections, Hughes plans to make a positive impact in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Week this May.

Hughes explained: “Stress and anxiety are taking a massive toll, particularly on the younger people in our society and I am seeing it daily. So many people feel trapped by their anxiety, but I believe understanding why is the key to finding a solution and taking back control of their minds.”

Social Trance - The Body Image and Anxiety Workshop will be a unique charity event. Joined by a host of celebrities, through discussions, exercises, and group hypnotherapy, guests will be able to uncover the sources of anxiety and bring them to light.

“I work with a lot of celebrities both on TV and in therapy. Many of them feel very close to this issue and wanted to make some kind of contribution, even simply by sharing their own experiences,” says Hughes. “With actor Paul Danan, Big Brother 2018 contestants Akeem Griffiths and Tomasz Wania, First Date’s Jay Watkin, and Ben Jardine of Married at First Sight on stage, there’s sure to be a few laughs and plenty of entertaining banter to balance out the more serious discussions.”

Other celebrities lending their voices to the cause will include musician Shane Nolan, reality TV star White Dee, presenter Nadia Essex, Para-Olympian Micky Yules, and actor Thomas Turgoose.

Known for his TV appearances where he teams up with celebrities to demonstrate hypnosis in various situations, Hughes is a certified clinical therapist, specialising in helping those with anxiety.

“I am a strong believer that hypnosis for entertainment is not a bad thing if done in a safe way with proper training. Most people get their first introduction to the power of hypnosis through, for example, a stage hypnosis show at university. So, I use these demonstrations to not only provide fun for the guests but also as a way to demonstrate the power of suggestion.”

The event, planned for 14 May 2019, will use volunteers to demonstrate how negative thought processes and phobias are created. Hughes will show how these can be overpowered through simple techniques.

Attendees will be under no obligation to take part in any activities, welcome instead to simply listen, laugh and learn, all while contributing to a good cause. All proceeds will be donated to the Mental Health Foundation. Guests will also have the opportunity to meet with celebrity guests after the show.

Mental Health Awareness Week is set to take place between 13-19 May. Since launching in 2001, it has helped raise awareness of mental health and wellbeing, focusing on topics ranging from stress and relationships to sleep and friendship. This year’s focus will be body image.

For more information about Social Trance and to book your tickets, visit the Midlands Arts Centre website or visit Chris Hughes Hypnotherapy.

To discover more about anxiety and how a hypnotherapist can help, visit Hypnotherapy Directory and find a hypnotherapist near you.