In October, City and Hackney Mind joined Hackney Wicked Women to tell us about the City and Hackney Wellbeing Network, and introduce us to Mindfulness. Their digital team kindly agreed to answer some questions for our blog too.
Hello, my name is Josie and, along with Hebba and Laura, we make up the Online Communications Team here at City and Hackney Mind. We work with City and Hackney Mind and the Wellbeing Network websites, as well as the Twitter and Facebook accounts.
Tell us a little bit about mindfulness, for those that are new to it.
Mindfulness is a great way of taking a pause from the hassle and stress of everyday life.
It’s a simple technique of focusing on the environment around you to avoid getting caught up with worries and anxiety. Scientific evidence has indicated that Mindfulness can enhance mental wellbeing, reduce stress and increase concentration.
Our campaign, ‘Take a Pause’, aims to encourage Hackney residents to use mindfulness as a way of lowering stress and anxiety levels. 
You can read about Helen’s experience of mindfulness, to get more of an idea of what it involves, and whether you might be interested. Here’s a five minute mindfulness practice, if you want to try it out for yourself.
How can people use mindfulness in everyday life?
Mindfulness can be practised at any time of day, wherever you are. It can be a great way to start the day, but it can also relax and de-stress people when everything might be feeling overwhelming.
Through visiting our ‘Take a Pause’ page people can access free information, online resources and more practical support such as the mindfulness group sessions we run and also mindfulness yoga.
Tell us a bit about the project for Hackney residents..
The Wellbeing Network launched earlier this year as a way to help pe
ople from Hackney and the City of London improve their resilience and wellbeing, and help prevent the onset of mental health problems. In addition to this, the Network supports service users with severe mental health conditions to improve their quality of life.
How can you apply or find out more about mindfulness and other activities or sessions?
Anyone can find out more about mindfulness sessions by visiting chwellbeingnetwork.london to look at what’s on offer or upcoming sessions.
Alternatively, ring our friendly Single Point of Entry team, who will be happy to point you in the right direction for any courses you might want to access, on 020 8525 2301.
We also have a new addition to our network – Studio Upstairs. They offer creative groups in which people can explore and express their emotions through art or drama. To find out more you can go to our website: chwellbeingnetwork.london.
You can follow City and Hackney Mind on Twitter and Facebook, or visit their website for more news and updates.
Find out more about the City and Hackney Wellbeing Network on their website.
Hackney Wicked Women 