WELL BEING
At Keeping Abreast we realise that a sense of well-being and relaxation can aid recovery and that a calm, relaxed state of mind is helpful when dealing with difficult circumstances.
That being the case, we’ve teamed up with yoga and mindfulness expert Nerissa Fields who provides regular Mindfulness For All classes for those connected with the charity, whether for patients, supporters or volunteers - all welcome!
NB. Please remember to listen to your body and only do what feels right - and if you feel that you're doing too much then stop!
Free Mindfulness For All sessions are provided once a month on Zoom, taking place from 7pm to 8pm on the first Tuesday of the month and these are open to everyone connected with the charity in some way. No experience or equipment are necessary; simply find yourself a quiet place to sit and then join the Zoom session - the Zoom meeting code is: 858 4826 0797 (no passcode required).
In the meantime, you’ll find some useful free resources on Nerissa’s website at: www.yogawithnerissa.co.uk which include a free half-hour Mindfulness session called 'Yoga Mindfulness' under ‘Resources’. You can also watch some recordings of recent meditation and relaxation sessions; you’ll find those in ‘Resources’ and ‘Video downloads’ under ‘short meditation’ and ‘short relaxation’.
In addition, we're very pleased to present a series of free half-hour Mindfulness For All sessions on this website which have been put together by Nerissa and kindly funded by Art For Cure. These are aimed at reducing stress and inducing a sense of calm and can, of course, be taken at your own pace and in your own time as well as in any order:-
ABC of Mindfulness by Nerissa Fields
Respond or React by Nerissa Fields
The Two Arrows by Nerissa Fields
Thought Hooks by Nerissa Fields
Thoughts are Just Thoughts by Nerissa Fields
As you will see, each of the Mindfulness sessions above includes a poem and if you'd like to read the poems again, please click on the links below:-
Poem - I would pick more daises
Poem - All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten
There are a number of other activities that take place within the charity to improve people’s well-being.
In Cheltenham, for example, the Keeping Abreast Support Group has teamed up with a canoeing company, Just Row Gloucestershire, where KA Volunteers and those they’re supporting can have a go at canoeing and enhance their health and well-being through the sport - simply get in touch with the Keeping Abreast Cheltenham Support Group to find out more.
Well Being
From time to time, the charity also organises retreat days which include activities such as swimming, sound baths, mindfulness and journalling, all of which aim to help participants relax and unwind.
Keep an eye on this website and our social media pages to find out what’s happening near you, and if you have any ideas for future well-being sessions, please get in touch!
Get In Touch
About Us
Keeping Abreast was established in September 2007 by patients Anna Beckingham and Beverley Birritteri and Breast Reconstruction nurse specialist Ruth Harcourt. They recognised a great need for women, both newly diagnosed with breast cancer and facing the possibility of mastectomy, and also women further down the line who are also considering reconstructive surgery, to be able to meet and talk to other women who have been through similar experiences. This allows women make an informed choice about whether or not to proceed with breast reconstruction.
© 2021 © Keeping Abreast Breast Cancer Reconstruction Support Group, registered charity number: 1129522. Registered office: M&A Partners, 7 The Close, Norwich, NR1 4DJ