Mindfulness Cumbria to Begin in Ulverston

Cumbria's first Mindfulness programmes, which help people suffering from pain conditions, chronic illnesses and stress, are to begin in Ulverston next week.

Mindfulness programmes have been recommended by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NIHCE) and include the internationally acclaimed 'Living Well' programmes, accredited by the Breathworks Foundation. They are clinically proven to make a difference to the lives of people suffering from a variety of illnesses and disorders.

Mindfulness helps people living with difficult conditions to see that there is a better side to life, and that they can still live fulfilling lives in spite of their condition.

Mindfulness Cumbria, as part of Tao Mountain, a 'not for profit' social enterprise, begins its first 'Living Well with Pain and Illness' programme on Tuesday 26^th January at 1.30pm, at Ford House, Ford Park, Ulverston.

It is being run by former Army medic Steve Johnson. Steve suffers himself from a degenerative pain condition, and has been using the Mindfulness programme himself for the last 10 years.

Steve has previously been based in Manchester, and is now delighted to be introducing the programme to Cumbria: "I didn't want to be based in the big city anymore. Ulverston has inspiring landscapes, mountains and a strong community. There are people around here who have to travel as far as Blackburn or Manchester to
receive their treatments.

"We want to make a difference to their lives, and show them that there is a better side to life."

Mindfulness teaches people to experience an improved quality of life by undertaking a carefully designed combination of skills and techniques from meditation to mindful movement, a specially designed group of activities, which includes include standing, seated and floor based sequences according to individual mobility and fitness.

Classes take place weekly, and continue for eight weeks. Through the programmes, the groups form friendships and are always encouraged to keep in touch with the Mindfulness network. Each group generally consists of between 8 and 12 people.

After the programme is completed, there are other opportunities to practice, which include general meet-ups, as well as meditation, outdoor based activities and other ongoing support.

Steve and his team also provide training to healthcare professionals, as a way of introducing the use of Mindfulness as a healthcare intervention. It also provides an opportunity for professionals to experience the richness that Mindfulness can bring to their own lives.

In addition to this, the team also undertakes preventative work by providing First Aid training. This is particularly important to Steve, who is also a member of the local Mountain Rescue Team. The training teaches essential skills needed in situations ranging from accidents in the home or workplace, accidents on the sports field to injuries on a remote mountainside.

Mindfulness Cumbria will also be starting its first 'Living Well with Stress' programme on Wednesday 4^th February in the evening, designed to help people living with stress in any capacity.

If you would like to know more about Mindfulness you can speak to your Doctor, or you can visit the Tao Mountain website at:

www.taomountain.co.uk

If you would like to get involved, learn more, or just speak to someone about your condition, feel free to contact Steve at:

steve@taomountain.co.uk