A course about chronic pain at Manchester NHS led Helen Haymes, a Union Learning Rep with the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) in Salford HMRC, to decide that this was just the sort of thing that her colleagues might find useful to reduce workplace stress.

Mindfulness is all about focusing on the present and acknowledging the thoughts you have and letting them go. At the course Helen learned what mindfulness is and how it can help people. She also learned several techniques that help relaxation and become focused in the moment. 

Something that was of particular interest to Helen was that mindfulness is proven to reduce stress and absenteeism in the workplace, and that the course trainers had ran courses at several workplaces.

As the Branch ULR Helen had been on the look-out for interesting and useful learning opportunities for the members at her workplace so she invited the trainers to attend the Branch’s Learning at Work Day in November 2015 to run some taster sessions on mindfulness. 

They ran three, very well attended, 40 minute sessions which received some very positive feedback.

Dave King, from the Albert Bridge House office said:

I just want to thank you and the lady who gave the talk so much. The session was really helpful for me. Recently I have been suffering with a lot of pain and you just tend to get on with things. I felt so relaxed in the session and it released so much tension (that I did not realise was there)"

Whilst Emma Scott, from Trinity Bridge House HMRC commented:

I would definitely do that again, I can see it benefitting my stress levels and possibly helping me reduce my blood pressure in work. If there are any more coming up I would certainly attend."

With the success of these tasters Helen decided to plan her own mindfulness and relaxation sessions after requests from staff - seeking permission from the NHS course trainers to use their materials.

Helen said: 

I began to prepare a mindfulness session which would be inclusive and specific to the needs of my colleagues in Trinity Bridge House. I was aware that some colleagues are less mobile than others and I devised several different sessions to incorporate this. Some sessions used mats on the floor, some are sitting and I have recently organised a 40 minute session of mindful movement."

Helen has now organised several mindfulness sessions. The classes have been well attended by staff in her workplace and neighbouring HMRC offices. During the recent Learning at Work Week she ran two mindfulness sessions.

Once again these were very popular and received some great feedback. 

Barbara Taylor from HMRC Ralli Quays said:

I really enjoyed it and can honestly say that I got a lot from it and felt so much better afterwards. I can't think of anything to change - it was all good for me. Although you said you were nervous - it certainly didn't show and the confidence that I felt you showed, certainly made me feel that I was participating in something very worthwhile. Thank you so much and I will certainly join your group again."

Mark Kershaw from Albert Bridge House added:

Personally, I thought it was very worthwhile and I certainly derived a lot of benefit out of the session. Like I alluded to after the session had ended I was amazed at the length of time each practice had lasted; I think this in itself is proof that the session was beneficial."

Whilst Gina Holt, also from Ralli Quays feels that the health benefits are already apparent and said:

I have been having trouble sleeping recently and after your session yesterday and a bike ride when I got home I slept much better than I have in a while so I am definitely planning on coming to sessions again when I can. I have also recommended it to a work friend who also has stress symptoms at the moment as I am sure it would help her."

Others commented on how useful they had found the technique and that it was a skill they were very keen to develop.

With this sort of response from staff in Manchester Helen is keen to continue to running relaxation sessions and helping staff to feel less stressed at work.