Family MindFit

SIX WEEK PROGRAMME FOR YOUNG PEOPLE AND THEIR PARENTS

AIM

To support young people at the pre-adolescent stage… to build healthier more resilient minds and a sense of well being to help them face new challenges in a rapidly changing world.

WHERE ARE WE NOW?

A large scale study conducted for the NHS in July 2020 found that:
“Clinical mental health conditions amongst children had risen by 50% compared to previous years”
“A staggering 1 in 6 children now have a probable mental health condition”

The state of children’s mental health services 20/21
www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/mental-health-services

OUTLINE OF COURSE

The programme is taught in a small group situation and divided into six sessions of approximately one hour each.

• content is based on concepts taught in adult mindfulness 8 week courses
• teaching is at a level appropriate to the middle/upper primary age group.
• each session deals with a different topic (see below)
• handouts and suggested follow-up activities accompany each session
• young people compile their own log throughout the course…”My Mindfulness Journey”
• two recordings are sent home for ongoing practice (integral to the course)
• parents participate fully in all exercises and learnings
• a dynamic course involving interaction, movement as well as stillness and focus
• course taught by experienced meditator, psychotherapist, ex primary headteacher
• most of all it’s FUN!!!

EXAMPLES OF TOPICS

1. WHERE AM I NOW? (awareness, focus)
2. TRAINING OUR PUPPY MIND (supporting concentration)
3. WHEN THE SABRE TOOTH TIGER COMES TO TOWN (dealing with stressful events)
4. THE KINDNESS TRAIN (The power of kindness and gratitude)
5. BEDITATION (Importance of sleep and how to support good sleep)

NOTE: This course is not intended as therapy. It is designed to support young people and their parents with knowledge, tools and techniques to navigate more easily some of the current difficulties faced at this period of their lives… in short they develop useful life skills. What better age/time to learn these and with a parent who can help practise this at home and in doing so derive benefit themselves!!

It should be borne in mind that research has shown that these techniques can and do:

• improve cognition -reduce anxiety and depression
• improve confidence – increase resilience
• improve relationships -help with sleep issues
  
  (Studies quoted in Williams and Penman 2011)

If interested please contact course director for more information:
Renee Buchanan BA, DHP(NC), MNRHP, LCA
Mindfulness in Schools Educator
rb@yourlifepath.com