Mindfulness Workshops For LGBT+ Community In Full Flow Across Region

A SERIES of mindfulness workshops are being held across North Wales to promote the physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing of young members within the local LGBTQ+ community.

Young and Mindful CIC (Y.A.M), a local third-sector organisation and social enterprise that aims to make a difference in young people’s approach to health and wellbeing, will be leading a course of free workshops from multiple locations across Denbighshire, Flintshire and Wrexham.

Titled ‘Me and My Identity,’ the 14-week sessions are aimed at LGBT+ individuals aged 16-25 who are looking to explore mindfulness and meditation and connect with like-minded people.

Since its establishment in 2023, Y.A.M has delivered a series of courses to young people aged 7-25 within local schools, youth clubs and community hubs, as well as to teachers, parents and guardians. Through self-education and meditation, the organisation has helped participants examine their habits, beliefs, and opinions to help discover new ways to meaningfully contribute to their own wellbeing, the community, and planet.

Thanks to recent funding from the People’s Postcode Lottery and the Postcode Community Trust, Y.A.M is now able to expand its services and deliver a tailored programme for local LGBT+ community. The newly launched programme has been specifically designed to empower individuals on their journeys of self-discovery, promote holistic growth, and help create an inclusive and safe environment for members of the LGBT+ community and beyond.

Shilpa Viyas, founder of Y.A.M, says the new programme is all about giving back to the community and sharing personal findings from her own lived experience, as well as those of the enterprises’ volunteers.

She said: “Here at Young and Mindful, we have witnessed first-hand the value of delivering self-education projects in the community that incorporate identity, location, and co-production.  We’re truly grateful to all of our wonderful volunteers and staff, as well as the People’s Postcode Lottery, for enabling us to continue working with young LGBT+ members of society.

“We feel there has been an increased demand in North Wales for more support and resources geared towards the younger generation, particularly revolving around self-esteem, mental wellbeing, and identity. It’s our goal to offer this programme to as many people as possible, which is why the workshops are delivered from a variety of locations, have varying ages and time slots, and are delivered in both Welsh and English.

“Not only do we wish to create a local safe space for individuals to share their positive and negative experiences of being LGBT+, but we’re also keen to dismantle misconceptions about this demographic and explore how we as a society can enhance understanding and compassion about this group.  We also wish to advocate the proven benefits of mindfulness and meditation, as well as delving into the components of individual identity, and the inherited values and ideals that impact our sense of belonging.”

 

The courses are currently held at the following locations: HWB Dinbych; Brighter Futures Rhyl; XXX XXX; with plans in the pipeline to host sessions in Flintshire over the coming weeks. To register or find out more, contact [email protected] or visit youngandmindfulcic.org.uk