Mindfulness
Mindfulness
Mindfulness
Mindfulness
What is Mindfulness?
To be mindful is being aware of how you think and feel in each moment. We often think we are aware, however nearly half of our time is lost in thought, worrying about the past and things we can’t do anything about, or predicting a future that we haven’t even experienced yet.
This back and forth locks us into stress and anxiety. Awareness offers us a choice to be present and find peace in the here and now.
What is Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy?
Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy, MBCT, is a modified form of cognitive therapy that incorporates mindfulness practices that include present moment awareness, meditation and breathing exercises. It has been clinically proven to improve mental wellbeing and promote a sense of connectedness. It supports people to be in the here and now and break away from negative thought patterns.
What is MBSR?
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction is a course that has been designed to help you incorporate regular mindful activities and meditation into your daily life. You will be guided through theory, practice, and independent learning by one of our experienced mindfulness teachers. MBSR has been shown to manage stress and anxiety and improve mood. It helps step out of the thinking brain that can cause us to be reactive, so you are better able to make decisions and be more self-aware. A regular mindfulness practice can also ensure we notice the positive and the good in our lives, improving our well-being and connection to our family and friends.
Sign up for Black Men’s Emotional Space (BMES), a FREE Monthly Online Course
BMES is a safe space for Black men of African ancestry to reflect, connect, and heal through guided meditation, storytelling, and group reflection.
Black men have histories and heritages that deeply shape our psyche, personality, thoughts, behaviours, and emotions.
We move through life, consciously and unconsciously, carrying values and beliefs formed by our cultural experiences. In a world shaped by racial tensions, we must have safer spaces to reconnect with our inner selves and each other.
Through guided meditation, storytelling, and group reflection, BMES will provide a space to explore identity, emotional wellbeing, and the impact of racialised trauma.
Themes include:
- Cultural pride and resilience
- Mindfulness for stress and emotional balance
- Healing from racism and building self-compassion
- Sharing stories in community
- Working relationally that creates trust and meaningful connections
This course is a safe space to begin mending the hearts and bodies of Black men who’ve experienced racialised trauma whether recent or generational. Racial trauma can consume us but healing is possible, especially when done collectively. Together, we’ll build emotional support around race, explore trauma as an interconnected experience, and deepen your meditation and mindfulness journey.
About your facilitator, John Newton
I’m John Newton, a qualified mindfulness practitioner with over 30 years of experience in youth work, community development, and social prescribing. I’ve spent a lot of my life promoting emotional well-being in community spaces. What I’ve learned is simple but powerful secure attachments and meaningful connections help us stay rooted in the world, especially when we’re facing hardship. As I move through my sixth decade on this beautiful planet, I’ve come to understand more about the complexities of race, identity, and what it means to live and thrive as a Black man.
Course details:
Purpose: To support Black men in exploring identity, resilience, and well-being in a world shaped by racial trauma.
Structure: 7 themed sessions focused on empowerment, self-care, cultural pride, and recovery.
Format: Online via Zoom
Who it’s for: Black men (21+, Greater Manchester), whether or not you’ve directly experienced racialised trauma, who are able to attend 7 x 2 hour online sessions, 6:30–8:30 PM (with a 5-minute drinks break), on the following dates:
- March 24th
- April 28th
- May 26th
- June 30th
- Aug 25th
- Oct 27th
- Nov 24th
What attendees will gain:
- Everyday benefits of mindfulness meditation – learning to slow down and be kind to yourself
- A deeper understanding of forgiveness as a step toward healing
- Tools to act from the best parts of yourself with integrity and grace
- Self-compassion practices that ground and uplift
- Connection with a community of other Black men on a similar journey
Spaces are limited. Sign up now to secure your spot.
Join Our Groundbreaking Virtual Reality Mindfulness Study
Our local Mind has been selected to take part in an exciting study to explore an
innovative way to deliver mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT).
This study is led by the University of Manchester and Tend VR as an approach to
helping people with depression and/or anxiety.
We are recruiting adults who have experienced recent anxiety or depressive
symptoms to test this innovative approach over a 10-12-week period.
The delivery of this mental health innovation will be at our hub, The Angel Centre, and you
will be required to visit for one hour per week to complete the mindfulness practice.
Interested? See full details below.
Eligibility Criteria:
- 18 years +
- UK resident
- Not currently receiving talking therapy
- Able to attend 8 x 45 minute sessions over a 10-12 week period at M3 6FA Chapel St, Salford.
If you would like to take part, we will be asking you to complete questionnaires and possibly an interview to provide feedback on your experience receiving this innovative approach to MBCT delivery. The programme and the VR equipment will be provided, free of charge but you will need to have access to a smart phone so that you can download a mobile app that accompanies the MBCT programme.
If you are interested in participating in this mental health study and advancing the progress of VR to improve mental health, please complete the Expression of Interest Form (EOI)
If you have any questions after you have looked at the EOI then please email research@tend-vr.com.
You can also find out more about the study and immersive VR programme through our taster video
Please note that we are in the process of finalising new courses and dates for MBSR and Mindfulness and relaxation for Menopause. Please email mindfulness@mindinsalford.org.uk to be kept informed or sign up to our newsletter for upcoming session information.
All courses will be subject to waiting lists as the courses proved to be very popular.
8 Week Mindfulness for Asian Men:
I have to say that Emran’s course had a level of impact that I have not experienced before. His positive energy was refreshing and I appreciated that he provided real science with each meditation. It made the practices more tangible and relatable.
Farhed
8 week MBSR course:
it has been really helpful in giving me ‘time-out’ to stop and be more in the moment. I have learnt a lot of new coping skills reflections and strategies. The tutors have been really friendly and inviting.
Emily
Mindfulness for Migrant Women Seeking Asylum:
I participate as it is very good for me. I get good energy, I need it. It helps me physically and mentally. I would like to continue practicing.
Nesa
8 week MBSR course:
I have found the course really beneficial and would highly recommend it to anyone interested in learning how to respond rather than react in certain situations. It’s also given me a far better understanding of what mindfulness is rather than just sitting there meditating.
Ben
We also provide mindfulness tasters and training in workplace settings. For further information please contact team on mindfulness@mindinsalford.org.uk or call 0161 710 1070.