Mindfulness and Young People at Risk Maureen O’Callaghan

Welcome Housekeeping Aim and learning themes Introductions – expectations Working together Scene setting

Young people at risk? What do we mean when we use this term? Board Blast

What is mindfulness? Present moment – non-judgemental awareness Interpersonal mindfulness Awareness through the senses Developed through focused attention and setting intention How mindful are you?

What do we want for young people? Small group discussion

BREAK Back in 15minutes

Traits likely to benefit young people Determination and resilience Self-control Zest Social intelligence Gratitude Optimism Curiosity

What does mindfulness have to offer? Improved health and well-being Increased resilience Enhanced emotional intelligence Improved interpersonal skills and greater sense of connection Great self-awareness and understanding Enhanced performance – focus and concentration, creativity, problem solving and decision making Improved emotional regulation

Helping young people understand Life has its ups and downs Delusions make life harder than it need be What makes them happy

Building character devoid of judgement How do we develop those character traits without imposing our own values? Small group reflection

LUNCH Back in 45mins

The pilot - helping young people explore… Decision making Controlling emotions Self-awareness and self-understanding Self-acceptance Social skills Empathy Morality

Learning from the pilot – practicalities Keep it simple and include fun activities as a vehicle for learning Keep your sense of humour Be open-minded and willing to adapt Be self-aware Do not impose and allow people to go at their own pace

Mindfulness practices Mindful listening Mindful walking Mindful eating Paying attention to the body STOP – 3 step breathing space, responding not reacting

Building and maintaining relationships Emotional reactivity impacts on relationships Developing awareness of our emotional experience through our bodily sensations Focusing on direct experience – letting go of the stories Everything we say and do has consequences

BREAK Back in 10 minutes

Pressures and challenges of this work Stress Reaction Cycle The importance of self-care Nurturing and depleting activities PAM – Action Plan

Review of seminar What has worked well and why What could be improved and how Evaluation forms

Safe journey home Maureen O’Callaghan T: E: W: