Mindfulness for LGBTQ staff
In partnership with MindOut we are offering free mindfulness training to help improve the wellbeing of LGBTQ staff and volunteers.
What is mindfulness?
Mindfulness can help you find balance through life’s ups and downs. It helps you learn to respond more skilfully when difficulties arise.
Mindfulness training can help you learn to pay attention in the present moment, and therefore spend less time dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. It helps you begin to notice habits of the mind that might not be helpful. The more you can spot these habits and patterns the more you have a choice about how to respond, and find more stability.
How can mindfulness help?
Research has shown that mindfulness can help reduce stress, decrease incidence of depression, improve memory, and strengthen your relationships. It can help to improve sleep, immune function and wellbeing. There is an abundance of evidence showing that mindfulness can be a tool for helping reduce workplace stress. It doesn’t address systemic inequality or the need for social justice but in the important work of supporting vulnerable people it can support you to remain resilient, compassionate and prevent or address burn out. It is a set of skills to support and bolster your wellbeing.
However, no approach is right for everyone. So we run taster sessions where you can come along and try mindfulness and see if it’s right for you.
What’s involved in mindfulness training?
The course is 8 weekly mindfulness sessions lasting 2 hours each for between 12-20 people. There are a limited number of places so you will need to complete the short application form to secure your place. The training is offered in a safe friendly space, by experienced LGBTQ identified teachers Kate Gooch and Sheila Roche, and free materials and downloadable mindfulness practices will be provided. We encourage you to practice at home to help embed the skills.The course is LGBTQ aware and trauma informed.
When?
The next course will be advertised here.