A recent survey by the Care Workers Charity indicates that over four in ten (42%) care workers reported significant amounts of stress, feeling unhappy or depressed and that over one-third said their job negatively affects their mental health. Over one in three care workers (36%) are actively considering leaving their roles.
Impact of mindfulness for staff
Studies have shown that mindfulness and Mindful Self-Compassion courses for nurses increased self-compassion, and reduced fatigue, burnout and stress. Other studies of mindfulness in the workplace have shown improved relationships, attention and concentration and more flexibility in working styles.
New mindfulness programme for care workers
Sussex Mindfulness Centre is part of Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and is one of the leading mindfulness centres in the country. For over 20 years, we have been able to demonstrate consistent improvements in wellbeing and reductions in stress for healthcare staff.
Our programme for care workers offers a gentle and practical introduction to mindfulness and compassion-based approaches that can help reduce stress, improve emotional resilience, and support more compassionate relationships — both with others and with ourselves. It combines easy to use, tried and tested practices with clear guidance and free resources to continue with after the programme has finished. You’ll be led by one of our experienced mindfulness teachers through three, one-hour sessions which can be delivered online or face-to-face. The sessions will include:
- some educational material about how stress affects us
- how to manage the effects of challenging work,
- guided practices, reflection, discussion, and
- practical tools to take into the workplace.
The practices will teach staff how to calm their system physiologically, work with self-critical thoughts and low mood. They will also teach staff how to derive pleasure and joy from ordinary daily activities. Practices are brief and adaptable for busy lives and real-world settings.
Benefits of the course
Participants often report:
- Feeling calmer and more grounded
- Greater emotional resilience
- Improved ability to cope with stress
- Increased patience and compassion
- Better communication and connection with others
- Renewed sense of purpose and wellbeing
No previous experience of mindfulness or meditation is needed.
Who is the course for?
This course is suitable for:
- Care home staff
- Support workers
- Healthcare assistants
- Domiciliary carers
- Activities coordinators
- Team leaders and managers
- Anyone working in a caring role
Let’s talk
We are keen to meet to discuss any questions you might have and explore how we could tailor this course to meet the needs of your work setting. Our groups cost £60 per person, and we would typically have at least 12 and not more than 18 people in a group.
If you are interested in trying our free, one-hour Compassionate Care Taster session then please contact spft.smc@nhs.net to arrange an initial conversation.