Mindfulness for refugees and asylum seekers
We offer trauma-sensitive mindfulness courses to refugees and asylum seekers in Brighton.
Trauma informed mindfulness training for refugees
We are using a curriculum, Mindfulness Across Borders, that has been co-produced with refugees in the UK, so it is sensitive to the experience and traumas that individuals may have faced. And we make further adaptations depending on the needs of participants attending our sessions.
How can mindfulness help?
Mindfulness can help individuals learn to pay attention in the present moment, and therefore spend less time dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. It can help people begin to notice habits of the mind that might not be helpful. The more we can spot these habits and patterns the more we have a choice about how to respond, and find more stability.
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.
However, no approach is right for everyone. So there’s an opportunity for participants to try mindfulness and see if it’s right for you. To do this individuals can attend the first few sessions before deciding if they want to continue.
What’s involved in mindfulness training?
The ten-week course for between 12-20 people involves attending two-hour sessions weekly and doing some home practice. There are a limited number of places so you will need to let us know if you are planning to attend. The first four sessions are drop-in, and from then on the group is closed. The training is offered in a safe friendly space, by experienced teachers. Free materials and downloadable mindfulness practices will be provided.
When is the next course?
We don’t have any new courses planned right now. If your organisation would like to offer mindfulness for refugees and asylum seekers get in touch with us, so we can work together to make this happen. Please contact smc@spft.nhs.uk