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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260920T170000
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UID:10002988-1789923600-1790344800@sussexmindfulnesscentre.nhs.uk
SUMMARY:Foundations of mindfulness: Five-day retreat
DESCRIPTION:Drawing on Buddhist conceptualisations of the nature of experience\, suffering and the self\, the retreat will offer a bridge into contemporary secular mindfulness practice\, teaching and life. The five-day retreat takes place at Ammerdown Retreat Centre\, near Bath. It is led by Ruth Sequeira\, Chris Barker\, Jo Cromarty and Robert Marx. \n\n\n\nThe retreat\n\n\n\nThis retreat will support a deepening of participants’ mindfulness practice using the framework of the four Foundations of Mindfulness (satipatthana) and the Four Divine Abidings (brahma vihara). Drawing on Buddhist conceptualisations of the nature of experience\, suffering and the self\, the retreat will offer a bridge into contemporary secular mindfulness practice\, teaching and life. The retreat will use a traditional retreat structure which allows us to simplify our life in order to see more clearly how we relate to ourselves and the world\, and to respond with kindness and compassion. There will be periods of teaching\, guided and unguided practice\, dialogue and unstructured time. Most of the week will be held in silence with opportunities to for a one-to-one meeting with a retreat leader and for optional peer sharing groups. \n\n\n\nWhere and when is it?  \n\n\n\nThe retreat is at the beautiful Ammerdown Retreat Centre\, near Bath. The accommodation is single rooms with ensuite bathrooms. There are a limited number of single rooms with shared bathrooms offered at a reduced rate. The retreat starts on Sunday\, 20 September and finishes at 2pm on Friday\, 25 September 2026. You can arrive between 5pm and 6pm on the Sunday. \n\n\n\nWho is the retreat for? \n\n\n\nThe retreat is suitable for mindfulness teachers in training\, qualified mindfulness teachers and those simply wanting to deepen their practice and bridge contemplative wisdom traditions and secular practice and teaching. The retreat will count as their retreat for those training in mindfulness-based approaches with the Sussex Mindfulness Centre MC or NHS Talking Therapies; and for those applying to\, or renewing their membership on the BAMBA Register\, this retreat meets the requirement for mindfulness teachers to do an annual\, mostly silent retreat. \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nWhat requirements are there to attend? \n\n\n\nCompletion of an eight-week mindfulness course (MBCT/MBSR)\, or similar eight-week programme\, and participation in at least a day of guided silent mindfulness practice. Please ensure you are able to attend the entire event. If this is not possible\, please contact us at spft.smc@nhs.net to discuss before submitting an application. \n\n\n\nHow should I prepare? \n\n\n\nWe will offer a short online orientation meeting a few weeks before the retreat to help you think about the optimal conditions to support you in the retreat.  A zoom link will be sent nearer to the start date for this. \n\n\n\nWhat participants say\n\n\n\n\n“This experience will stay with me forever. It’s been transformational.” \n\n\n\n“It was an amazing experience\, I returned home with a gift\, I have rediscovered myself\, and my own kindness. Words can’t describe how transformative it has been for me.” \n\n\n\n“I felt a strong sense of belonging… I really felt I’d experienced something special – something life changing.” \n\n\n\n\nRetreat leaders\n\n\n\nAs with all Sussex Mindfulness Centre retreats\, events and training\, we have an exceptionally experienced group of mindfulness teachers supporting you at this retreat. Find out more about your teachers below.  \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nRobert Marx\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRobert Marx is co-lead for the Sussex Mindfulness Centre\, lead for the MBCT in NHS TT   training centres collaboration.  He is a clinical psychologist and psychotherapist and has been teaching mindfulness groups to patients and staff in the NHS for over 20 years. He teaches MBCT and Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC).  He is a longstanding Buddhist practitioner\, initially in the Theravadan tradition and then in the Tibetan tradition.  He is passionate about compassionate culture-building in organisations \n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nChris Barker\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nChris Barker leads mindfulness for the National Centre for Integrative Medicine\, based in Bristol\, as well as the BAMBA MBCT-Cancer Special Interest Group. His main mindfulness work is with those living with and beyond a cancer diagnosis. Originally a PE teacher\, Chris discovered in 2012 how transformative mindfulness can be when he was a stressed Head of Department in a large secondary school. Seeing how much it had changed his life he now teaches school children mindfulness and leads international training courses for other schoolteachers to do likewise. He also teaches mindfulness to health and social care staff. \n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRuth Sequeira\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRuth Sequeira is a senior trainer\, supervisor and mindfulness teacher for the Sussex Mindfulness Centre. She is also a psychological therapist and the Mindfulness and Compassion Training and Retreat Lead at the Mindfulness Network. Ruth has a history of working in mental health services and until recently worked as a Clinical Lead in the Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) in Sussex. Ruth has a longstanding interest in mindfulness\, meditation and movement\, and is passionate about increasing access to mindfulness courses in different populations. \n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\nJo Cromarty\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJo Cromarty is an Occupational Therapist by training and has worked in various mental health settings within the NHS for many years. She has developed a meditation practice from within the contemplative tradition since her teenage years. She was first introduced to Mindfulness in 2010 and was privileged to be trained as an MBCT teacher by Prof Mark Williams and Dr Paul Bernard in 2011. ‘It’s been a joy to integrate my personal and professional interests’. Jo leads the training in one of the sites of the MBCT TT training and is a supervisor and MBCT teacher. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nHow much does it cost? \n\n\n\nThe prices below are fully inclusive of your room\, all meals and teaching guidance. \n\n\n\nEarly bird rates\n\n\n\nIf you book by 5 June 2026\, the cost is £700 for a single occupancy ensuite room. \n\n\n\nStandard rates\n\n\n\nFrom 6 June 2026 the cost is £800 for a single occupancy ensuite room. \n\n\n\nThere is limited availabilty of single rooms with a shared bathroom offered at £600.  \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nHow do I apply? \n\n\n\nYour place is confirmed once we receive full payment. If there are financial barriers to attendance\, please let us know. If you are unable to pay the full fee now\, we can offer you the chance to pay in up to three instalments. To secure your spot\, please complete your payment using the form at the bottom of the page. Once we have received the booking and payment\, we will send you the application form to complete.  \n\n\n\nPlease note the terms below for refunds. \n\n\n\nWhat is the cancellation policy?\n\n\n\nYou may withdraw your application up to three months prior to the event start date at which point you will be offered a full refund\, minus £50 admin fee.  \n\n\n\nIf you cancel your place less than three months before the event start date\, no refund will be available. If you received an NHS England funded place and you cancel less than three months before the start\, you will be liable for the full payment. \n\n\n\nIn the unlikely event that the event has to be cancelled by us\, we will offer an alternative retreat\, either residential or online\, or a refund.  Our liability is limited to crediting only our event fees\, and not any personal expenses you may have incurred.
URL:https://sussexmindfulnesscentre.nhs.uk/event/foundations-of-mindfulness-retreat-2/
LOCATION:Ammerdown Retreat Centre\, Ammerdown Retreat Centre\, Radstock\, Somerset\, BA3 5SW\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Retreat
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260921T170000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260921T193000
DTSTAMP:20260814T081627Z
CREATED:20260511T095129Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260814T081627Z
UID:10003056-1790010000-1790019000@sussexmindfulnesscentre.nhs.uk
SUMMARY:Mindful Self-Compassion course: eight weeks on Monday evenings
DESCRIPTION:Our eight-week Mindful Self-Compassion course teaches core principles and practices that enable participants to respond to challenges and difficult emotions with care and understanding. \n\n\n\nMonday evenings\, from 5 to 7.30pm. The orientation is on 21 September followed by the eight-week course from 28 September to 16 November. \n\n\n\nOverview​\n\n\n\nHow we respond to those around us is fundamental to a happy life. We are often encouraged to be kind to people. But in trying to show compassion towards others\, we may forget to look after ourselves. Can we truly be kind to anyone else if we cannot be kind to ourselves? \n\n\n\nIn the Mindful Self-Compassion course we offer ways to meet our own challenges with greater care. Through the course we will learn how to be more mindful of our own feelings in response to others. And we learn how this can help us to be more resilient in difficult situations. We also learn to be less judgemental and more caring. We will learn how this can reduce anxiety\, leaving us more open to making helpful changes in our lives. \n\n\n\nThe course creates a safe\, supportive environment. There are three core components: \n\n\n\n\nmindfulness (being present with whatever is happening)\n\n\n\nself-kindness (treating ourselves with care\, rather than criticism)\n\n\n\ncommon humanity (recognising our suffering as part of the shared human experience)​\n\n\n\n\nSome of the main topics we cover are: \n\n\n\n\nhandling difficult emotions\n\n\n\ntransforming the inner critic\n\n\n\ncultivating core values\n\n\n\nmeeting unmet needs\n\n\n\n\nThe weekly sessions include: \n\n\n\n\nguided meditations\n\n\n\nshort talks\n\n\n\ndiscussion\, including in small groups\n\n\n\nexperiential exercises\n\n\n\nresources to support home practice\n\n\n\n\nThe course creators are Kristin Neff\, researcher in the field of self-compassion. And Christopher Germer\, leader in the integration of mindfulness and psychotherapy. They have each published books on the subject. You can find out more about our Mindful Self-Compassion course here. \n\n\n\nWho is this course for?\n\n\n\nThis course is designed for the general public\, so you do not need to have attended a mindfulness course before. Please note\, this courses may not be suitable for everyone. If you are experiencing mental health issues\, you should talk to your GP about being referred to the appropriate clinical service. \n\n\n\nWhen? \n\n\n\nMonday evenings from 5pm to 7.30pm (BST). The course starts with an orientation of up to 2.5 hours on 14 September 2026 at 5pm\, and then continues until 16 November 2026. In total the course runs for 9 weeks including the orientation. See below: \n\n\n\nOrientation: 21 September 2026Session 1: 28 September 2026 Session 2: 5 October 2026 Session 3: 12 October 2026 Session 4: 19 October 2026Session 5:  26 October 2026 Session 6: 2 November 2026 Session 7: 9 November 2026Session 8: 16 November 2026 \n\n\n\nWhere?\n\n\n\nOnline. You will get Zoom log-in details when your place is confirmed. \n\n\n\nThe format of the course?\n\n\n\n\nOrientation session lasting up to two and a half hours.\n\n\n\nEight weekly classes\, each lasting two and a half hours\, with a 15-minute break in the middle.\n\n\n\nThe course follows the programme outlined in the Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook by Christopher Germer and Kristin Neff. It is suggested you buy this book to accompany the course. It’s particularly helpful if you have to miss a ssion\, but it’s not essential.\n\n\n\nDaily meditation home practice of up to 30 minutes is suggested.\n\n\n\n\nFacilitators\n\n\n\nAnnie Akasati McAuley\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMindfulness meditation has been a source of creativity and joy throughout my life. I am a freelance mindfulness teacher and supervisor. I also work with the Sussex Mindfulness Centre\, Suzy Bolt\, and the Brighton Buddhist Centre. I am DBS checked and a registered member of the British Association of Mindfulness-based Approaches (BAMBA). \n\n\n\nI write a monthly blog on themes related to mindfulness\, compassion and wisdom. This is available on our website and other publications. I have a teaching background and have worked with adults and young people over four decades. I am an ordained Buddhist since 1999\, leading courses and retreats using my Buddhist name\, Akasati. \n\n\n\n\n\nJulia Powell \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMindfulness has been a huge part of my life ever since I first attended a course in 2007. Having trained to teach with the Oxford Mindfulness Centre I have been teaching mindfulness courses since 2017. Apart from Mindful Self-Compassion\, I also teach Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy\, Mindfulness for Life and Finding Peace in a Frantic World. I’m a trained supervisor and run mindfulness coaching sessions for individuals. \n\n\n\n\n\nHow to book\n\n\n\nPlease note\, we ask all those who book a place on this course to fill in an application form here that will be sent to the facilitators. If you haven’t already\, please head here to the fill in the form. \n\n\n\nThe cost of the eight-week course is £300. We also offer a choice of two other options: \n\n\n\n\n£325 – Supporting rate. You can support other participants to attend who are on a low income.\n\n\n\n£275 – Supported rate\, if you are on a low income and can’t afford the general admission price.\n\n\n\n\nAs part of our equity\, diversity and inclusion policy\, we also have a limited number of concessionary tickets available on a first-come\, first-served basis. These are for people who are facing acute financial hardship and who would otherwise not be able to attend. To request a concession ticket please email spft.smc@nhs.net. \n\n\n\nWe are striving to make our courses accessible for all. If you have additional needs or learning styles\, please let us know so we can support you.   \n\n\n\nYou can book here below.
URL:https://sussexmindfulnesscentre.nhs.uk/event/mindful-self-compassion-course-eight-weeks-on-monday-evenings/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:Course,Mindful Self-Compassion
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://sussexmindfulnesscentre.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/compassion_04-scaled-e1781557874869.avif
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260921T170000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260921T193000
DTSTAMP:20260824T093321Z
CREATED:20260824T093227Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260824T093321Z
UID:10003092-1790010000-1790019000@sussexmindfulnesscentre.nhs.uk
SUMMARY:Mindful Self-Compassion course: eight weeks on Monday evenings
DESCRIPTION:Our eight-week Mindful Self-Compassion course teaches core principles and practices that enable participants to respond to challenges and difficult emotions with care and understanding. \n\n\n\nMonday evenings\, from 5 to 7.30pm. The orientation is on 21 September followed by the eight-week course from 28 September to 16 November. \n\n\n\nOverview​\n\n\n\nHow we respond to those around us is fundamental to a happy life. We are often encouraged to be kind to people. But in trying to show compassion towards others\, we may forget to look after ourselves. Can we truly be kind to anyone else if we cannot be kind to ourselves? \n\n\n\nIn the Mindful Self-Compassion course we offer ways to meet our own challenges with greater care. Through the course we will learn how to be more mindful of our own feelings in response to others. And we learn how this can help us to be more resilient in difficult situations. We also learn to be less judgemental and more caring. We will learn how this can reduce anxiety\, leaving us more open to making helpful changes in our lives. \n\n\n\nThe course creates a safe\, supportive environment. There are three core components: \n\n\n\n\nmindfulness (being present with whatever is happening)\n\n\n\nself-kindness (treating ourselves with care\, rather than criticism)\n\n\n\ncommon humanity (recognising our suffering as part of the shared human experience)​\n\n\n\n\nSome of the main topics we cover are: \n\n\n\n\nhandling difficult emotions\n\n\n\ntransforming the inner critic\n\n\n\ncultivating core values\n\n\n\nmeeting unmet needs\n\n\n\n\nThe weekly sessions include: \n\n\n\n\nguided meditations\n\n\n\nshort talks\n\n\n\ndiscussion\, including in small groups\n\n\n\nexperiential exercises\n\n\n\nresources to support home practice\n\n\n\n\nThe course creators are Kristin Neff\, researcher in the field of self-compassion. And Christopher Germer\, leader in the integration of mindfulness and psychotherapy. They have each published books on the subject. You can find out more about our Mindful Self-Compassion course here. \n\n\n\nWho is this course for?\n\n\n\nThis course is designed for the general public\, so you do not need to have attended a mindfulness course before. Please note\, this courses may not be suitable for everyone. If you are experiencing mental health issues\, you should talk to your GP about being referred to the appropriate clinical service. \n\n\n\nWhen? \n\n\n\nMonday evenings from 5pm to 7.30pm (BST). The course starts with an orientation of up to 2.5 hours on 14 September 2026 at 5pm\, and then continues until 16 November 2026. In total the course runs for 9 weeks including the orientation. See below: \n\n\n\nOrientation: 21 September 2026Session 1: 28 September 2026 Session 2: 5 October 2026 Session 3: 12 October 2026 Session 4: 19 October 2026Session 5:  26 October 2026 Session 6: 2 November 2026 Session 7: 9 November 2026Session 8: 16 November 2026 \n\n\n\nWhere?\n\n\n\nOnline. You will get Zoom log-in details when your place is confirmed. \n\n\n\nThe format of the course?\n\n\n\n\nOrientation session lasting up to two and a half hours.\n\n\n\nEight weekly classes\, each lasting two and a half hours\, with a 15-minute break in the middle.\n\n\n\nThe course follows the programme outlined in the Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook by Christopher Germer and Kristin Neff. It is suggested you buy this book to accompany the course. It’s particularly helpful if you have to miss a ssion\, but it’s not essential.\n\n\n\nDaily meditation home practice of up to 30 minutes is suggested.\n\n\n\n\nFacilitators\n\n\n\nAnnie Akasati McAuley\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMindfulness meditation has been a source of creativity and joy throughout my life. I am a freelance mindfulness teacher and supervisor. I also work with the Sussex Mindfulness Centre\, Suzy Bolt\, and the Brighton Buddhist Centre. I am DBS checked and a registered member of the British Association of Mindfulness-based Approaches (BAMBA). \n\n\n\nI write a monthly blog on themes related to mindfulness\, compassion and wisdom. This is available on our website and other publications. I have a teaching background and have worked with adults and young people over four decades. I am an ordained Buddhist since 1999\, leading courses and retreats using my Buddhist name\, Akasati. \n\n\n\n\n\nJulia Powell \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMindfulness has been a huge part of my life ever since I first attended a course in 2007. Having trained to teach with the Oxford Mindfulness Centre I have been teaching mindfulness courses since 2017. Apart from Mindful Self-Compassion\, I also teach Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy\, Mindfulness for Life and Finding Peace in a Frantic World. I’m a trained supervisor and run mindfulness coaching sessions for individuals. \n\n\n\n\n\nHow to book\n\n\n\nHow to book \n\n\n\nPlease fill in the application form here. We will be in touch once your place is confirmed. \n\n\n\nWe are striving to make our courses accessible for all. If you have additional needs or learning styles\, please let us know so we can support you.  
URL:https://sussexmindfulnesscentre.nhs.uk/event/mindful-self-compassion-course-eight-weeks-on-monday-evenings-2/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:SPFT staff only
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://sussexmindfulnesscentre.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/compassion_04-scaled-e1781557874869.avif
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260921T180000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260921T190000
DTSTAMP:20260721T093141Z
CREATED:20251110T100725Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260721T093141Z
UID:10002965-1790013600-1790017200@sussexmindfulnesscentre.nhs.uk
SUMMARY:Free mindfulness taster
DESCRIPTION:Are you considering whether mindfulness is for you? Join our free online taster session. This one-hour taster session will introduce you to the benefits of mindfulness. Benefits include improved wellbeing and ability to manage stress.  \n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nIs your mind over active? Do you find you can’t turn off? Are you running on empty\, unable to appreciate things that previously made you happy? Are relationships more fraught than they were? \n\n\n\nPerhaps it’s time to try mindfulness. \n\n\n\n\nBrief overview\n\n\n\nIn this informative one-hour online session\, you will: \n\n\n\n\nLearn what mindfulness is\n\n\n\nMeet one of our teachers\n\n\n\nTry short-guided meditations\n\n\n\nDiscover the benefits of mindfulness\n\n\n\nFind out about our short introductory mindfulness and beginner courses\n\n\n\nAsk any questions about mindfulness and what your next step might be\n\n\n\n\nThis session is for you if: \n\n\n\n\nYou are completely new to mindfulness and meditation and want to try it out.\n\n\n\nAre returning to mindfulness and want a refresh / reminder about what is involved.\n\n\n\nAre wondering how mindfulness might help your team and colleagues at work.\n\n\n\nAre familiar with mindfulness but keen to know what the Sussex Mindfulness Centre can offer.\n\n\n\n\nWhere?\n\n\n\nOnline on Zoom \n\n\n\nFor all mindfulness work\, the connection between people in the group is central to the discovery and learning process. Please ensure the camera on your device is turned on during the session and try your best to join from a quiet\, private space. Thank you. \n\n\n\nIf you attend an evening taster or lunchtime ‘Moment to Pause’ session\, you are entitled to a 25% discount on all our fee-paying eight-week courses and six-week Compassionate Leadership courses\, subject to availability. Attendees will be send a 25% discount code after the session. Please note\, the discount is eligible for our ‘general admission’ ticket type only.
URL:https://sussexmindfulnesscentre.nhs.uk/event/free-mindfulness-taster-26/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:Beginners,Introduction to mindfulness,Workplace
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://sussexmindfulnesscentre.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/learning_blue-jpg.avif
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