AN acupuncturist is offering free consultations in Chippenham as part of Depression Awareness Week which begins on April 21.

Gisela Norman will be holding open days to give free15 minute consultations to discuss various forms of help for people suffering with depression.

Sessions will be held in the Park Lane Practice, Park Lane on Wednesday April 23.

Her added experience as a mental health nurse has given Gisela a wealth of knowledge in treating depression, stress and anxiety.

Depression is frequently caused by a complex series of reasons: a setback in life, such as bereavement, relationship difficulties, problems at work or school or medical conditions.

Gisela said problems and setbacks can feel overwhelming and spiral out of control.

She added that more people are now becoming aware of the growing scientific support for acupuncture as a treatment for depression and related conditions.