Family Mental Health Support Network of Niagara
Mindfulness Practice Training for self defense in the concrete jungle.
Mindfulness Based Self Care
Throughout this free mindfulness course, you will be introduced to the basics of mindfulness so that you will begin to integrate more balance throughout your day. You will experience a variety of Meditation Practices. Some long; some short. Each Practice is followed by a discussion. We learn to inquire about what we are sensing physically, feeling and thinking emotionally, in order to pay attention to what is happening in the present moment. Other activities include mindful eating, mindful walking/movement, mindful speaking/listening, mindful journaling and mindful art (doodling, painting and more). There is also a mindfulness movie.
Mindfulness Based Self Care teaches us to improve our own emotional regulation. It is a course for everyone. We encourage parents to find teachable moments to share it with their children, children of all ages to share it with their parents and professionals with their colleagues. We are what we think, and we have much more say in the quality of our lives when we override the autopilot of programmed thinking. Join with us in the revolution to take back our lives from the chaotic stimulation of the information age.
Being offered online through Zoom at no cost.
Coping Skills Groups
Topics include but are not limited to: understanding the symptoms of mental illness; developing a healthcare plan; useful community resources; setting limits; problem solving as a family unit; improving two-way communications; effective ways to advocate for your relative; non-violent crisis intervention training; psychiatric medications and self-care for the care-giver. Guest speakers supplement the facilitators. Facilitators are mental health professionals as well as family members. Individual counselling and advocacy is available on a fee for service basis.
SafeTALK
SafeTALK is a 3 hour alertness workshop that prepares anyone over the age of 15, regardless of prior experience or training, to become a suicide-alert helper. Most people with thoughts of suicide don’t truly want to die, but are struggling with overwhelming pain in their lives. Through their words and actions they either directly or indirectly invite help to stay alive. SafeTALK trained helpers can recognize these invitations and take action by connecting them with life-saving intervention resources. Since its development in 2006, SafeTALK has been used in over 20 countries around the world. SafeTALK trained helpers are an important part of the suicide-safer communities, working alongside intervention resources to identify and avert suicide risks.
Workshop features
Presentations and guidance from a LivingWorks registered trainer
Access to support from a local community resource person
Powerful audiovisual learning aids
The simple yet effective TALK steps: Tell, Ask, Listen, and Keep Safe
Hands-on skills practice and development
challenges because of the compassion, life skills and resources I received through attending their groups.” Matthew.
“The Mindfulness group offered through the Family Support Network of Niagara and facilitated by Kathyrn Richmond is incomparable in terms of usefulness
to daily life. The collection of meditations, teachings and group discussions are promoted within a setting of fellowship and fraternity – making it a perfect weekly outing – both useful and fun. I recommend it to anyone looking for better self understanding and to reach out and find a ‘mindful’ group to be a part of.
“I was lost and felt like I was drowning in my own life. How can this be? Then life handed me a lifeline. I carried everything within me and I just
didn’t know it until… Mindfulness entered my daily life. I am truly grateful for the tools that I have walked away with and the support and friendships.
Thank you FSN Team.”
