Mindfulness and Me

Maidstone and Mid-Kent Mind (MMKM) are introducing a new youth support programme titled ‘Mindfulness and Me’ - designed to educate young people between the ages of eleven and eighteen about mindfulness and how practicing wellbeing activities can be beneficial for overall mental health and wellbeing.

With 20% of adolescents experiencing a mental health problem in any given year, and with 50% of mental health problems establishing by the age of 14 (Statistics from The Mental Health Foundation), it is clear that there are benefits to be found through early intervention, and that is part of the intention with this new programme.

Sam Curran, Wellbeing Worker at MMKM, had this to say about developing the new programme: “I’ve always felt that a mindfulness course would be a beneficial way of teaching people coping skills and strategies to prevent poor mental health. There are lots of studies out there which shows that incorporating these skills early can be beneficial for building resilience in later life, so it felt right to develop this programme with a young person focus.”

The programme will be delivered across five weeks, with each one-hour session focussing on different elements of mindfulness. The overall aim of the course is to help young people to reflect upon and accept their thoughts, feelings and bodily sensations - allowing them to be better aware of these areas and how they may change throughout their lives.

When asked about how the programme differs from the other support MMKM offer, Operations Manager James Walker said the following: “Mindfulness is an excellent way a person can help manage their emotional state whilst preventing their wellbeing becoming too negative. This course will be a great resource for young people that do not have a mental health disorder but are worried that they may be heading towards mental ill health. The course will help them better understand how they can manage their daily life - building their resilience.”

The first programme will start on 30 October 2019 and will run from MMKM’s Wellbeing Centre at 23 College Road in Maidstone. The five-week programme will cost £50, but on this occasion MMKM are providing the course for just £15, with the intention of making this course more accessible to young people in need within the community.

Spaces will be limited to ensure individuals gain the most from their sessions. If you, or someone you know may be interested, then please visit the Maidstone Mind website for full details

Contact Details

Email: mindhelp@mmkmind.org.uk