This course helps participants develop greater awareness of their thoughts, emotions, and experiences which in turn helps cultivate resilience and reduce low-mood and anxiety. It combines mindfulness practices and cognitive-behavioural techniques. There is increasing evidence that shows mindfulness is effective for reducing low-mood, and helping to improve wellbeing and resilience.

Who is it for?

This course has been adapted for members of the general public who are looking to improve their wellbeing and discover tools to help with the general stresses and strains of everyday life.

Please note, this course 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.

When?

Monday evenings from 6 to 8pm. The orientation session is on Monday 28 September and the eight-week course runs from 5 October to 30 November 2026. (No session 26 October.)

To get the benefits of this course it is helpful if you can attend all the sessions. If you cannot attend all the sessions (see above dates) then it may be better for you to wait for another course when you can.

Where?

Online. You will get Zoom log-in details approximately one week before the start date.

The format of the course?

The course will involve:

• Two-hour orientation session at the start to find out what to expect during the course and ask any questions you may have

• Daily meditation home practice of between 20 to 40 minutes

• Eight weekly two-hour classes including mindfulness practices, discussion and exercises

• An optional one-day online retreat

The course involves mindfulness meditation practices of up to 30 minutes in each group session, and recommended daily home practice of between 20-40 minutes. These will be guided by the mindfulness teacher in each session, and via audio recordings for the home practice. Everything is optional, and you are encouraged only to do what feels safe and comfortable for you. The practices may involve lying down, sitting, walking and other forms of movement.

In the sessions, the mindfulness teacher will invite group members to share their experiences of practice. Again this is completely optional, and you are encouraged to share only what you are comfortable with. The sessions will include smaller-group discussions, typically with two to four people. If the class is online these discussions will be via break out rooms.

I will be assisted by trainee teacher Alex MacKenzie.