Lead Tutors: Emma Thom and Jacky Slade

Date and time: 17/04/24-12/06/24 (no session on 29th May)

Location: Online

Caring For Me, Caring For You - In Challenging Times

For Coram adoptive parents with children in placement post-adoption order

Comments from Adoptive parents from previous courses

“It has improved my self-compassion and provided me with a resource I can practice but also tap into in times of need which has made me feel more confident in dealing with the stresses and strains of life”

“(It has). . enabled me to cope with challenging behaviour ..and to respond in an appropriate way & explain why I hold my ground ..”

Who can apply

• If you are waiting for or engaged in therapy with your child

• If you have teenagers pressing your buttons

• If you are early on your adoption pathway or with all the demands of primary aged children

• If you have care responsibilities for other family members or health or work-related issues

• If you have a mindfulness practice already or if you are just curious

• If you have attended a previous course, or were unable to complete) and want to refresh and consolidate your learning

Whatever your challenges, or even if you are in a more grounded place right now, you are welcome to attend a Taster session and decide if a course might be helpful.

Why would I attend a mindfulness course? 
As we know, challenges come in many forms and in different ways over time. In this course, the focus is on you as a whole person (not ‘just’ as a parent), supporting you in learning skills to keep as well as possible, enhancing your resilience and even making space for a shift  in your life - from surviving to thriving.  It is suitable for adoptive parents who are open and motivated to learn new ways of improving their wellbeing and approaching stress/ low mood – and are willing to dedicate some time each day to practicing these skills for the duration of the course. The benefits are well documented and evidenced:

• Strengthen emotions such as empathy, compassion, and happiness.

• Improve relationships with others through taking a calmer and less reactive approach to life.

• Support resilience in the face of anxiety, worry and low mood. Neuroscience shows how a mindfulness practice offers enhanced protection against depression and burn out, improving sleep quality and energy levels.

• Improve concentration and performance allowing you to be more effective in what you do.

• Develop general self-care and improved management of long-term health conditions.

What does the course involve?

• 8 sessions of 2 hours conducted online.

• Guided instruction in various mindfulness practices (sitting, standing, walking and movement) taught in an entirely secular way

• Short discussions to enhance awareness and application in everyday life

• Audio recordings or an App on your phone and a workbook

• Invitation to join a supportive class Whatsapp group (Joining is always optional)

• Free access to monthly mindfulness support sessions for course completers