“I loved how the Mindful Resilience course combined mindfulness practices and theory, with models from psychotherapy, and was highly tailored for parents and carers in neurodivergent families with challenging home lives. In my view this makes it one of a kind. I really felt like the course leaders understood my brain as neurodivergent adults and parents themselves, but also as highly skilled professionals who had so much knowledge to share. This course helped me to get myself back on track when I was at the point of burning out again.

Mindfulness has made me calmer and less anxious, with fewer intrusive thoughts. The self-critical voice in my head has become quieter, and I have felt more connected with other people and the world around me. I’ve also been more present for my children.

Thank you for sharing your professional knowledge, time, care and humanity. I would recommend this course to any parents and carers in neurodivergent families who are struggling. This course has had a ripple effect across the whole family.”

“I have heart problems and get panicky when I have a problem with it. Mindfulness has provided the tools to cope. It has given me the ability to be in a better place and learn new techniques. Mindful breathing helps me calm down and takes me away from negative thoughts. And I have learnt different tools to use to help me through difficult times. The course is run brilliantly by two very good people who make you feel calm, safe and relaxed. Keep up the great work you are doing!”

“I wanted to be more present and less caught up in intrusive thoughts and emotions. I was losing most of my time trapped in cycles of worry, flashbacks and dread. So much has been helpful. I think the biggest thing is being with others who have very similar experiences, including PTSD and CPTSD. I felt I wasn’t alone and that there are people who understand. It has helped me to be kinder to myself.

Learning mindfulness has had a massive impact. I’ve decided to put myself first for the first time in my life. I can now start to recognise when I’m becoming dysregulated and put mindful tools in place: body scan, resourcing, relishing. I feel like I am living, not just existing. I feel that I have more to look forward to just paying mindful attention to my everyday experiences and I feel more resilient when it’s hard.

I’d like to thank Kirsty so much for the dyslexia friendly handouts and emails! Also Kirsty and Justine, thank you for being open, understanding and compassionate. I felt in very safe hands in a safe space. For me, the self compassion was a tough session, but I learnt from the shame information that it’s not my fault and I can’t explain the weight that has lifted from me. Thank you, I will never forget it.”

“I am neurodivergent and suffer with anxiety, OCD and Complex PTSD, so life can be very challenging. I found the support and expert knowledge from the facilitators helpful, along with the insights from other participants and short practices  I can apply easily. Learning mindfulness has encouraged me to step back and pay attention to how my daughter experiences the world – it’s beautiful to notice how ‘present’ she is, using all her senses.

The facilitators were knowledgeable, compassionate and made me feel comfortable. It was lovely to have a course led by facilitators who themselves were struggling with the conditions participants and their children were trying to navigate. The facilitators could relate to us, instead of coming from a purely theoretical perspective. The course came from a deep meaningful place.”

“My reason for attending the course was to develop mindfulness skills that could support my mental health recovery and help me build resilience to everyday stress. The most helpful thing I’ve learned from the course is that when I feel distressed, I can remind myself that I’m safe in the present moment. This helps me calm down and not get carried away by my thoughts or emotions. Practicing mindfulness has made me more aware of the world around me. I notice sounds, movements, and small details more clearly. It’s helped me feel more grounded in the moment instead of lost in my thoughts. I’m grateful for the chance to attend the Mindful Resilience course, it was a valuable experience.”

“I joined the course to discover techniques to help me process my thoughts and feelings, help me find methods of dealing with them and to find relaxation methods. It was helpful to learn the methodology of how neurodiverse brain and nervous systems work, and the wide range of techniques to help me cope when anxious or stressed. I have found a particular method (focusing on an anchor) that helps me when I can feel an autistic meltdown approaching and also when it has occurred. Kirsty and Kay’s compassion, knowledge and understanding of neurodiversity was outstanding. Really impressive.”

“Attending the course has helped me understand mindfulness better and how/when it could be used. I have been both poorly and under a lot of stress over majority of the course. Learning techniques and implementing these into my routine has really supported my wellbeing and ultimately my resilience. The trauma elements have been useful for me personally to understand. I have also been recommending the course within my job capacity too (Social Prescriber). The course surpassed my expectations and is delivered in ways that makes it much easier to practice some of the different techniques. This has been a huge support to my wellbeing and even better that I have been able to share elements with others. Thank you so much.”

“I have been in a very dark place over the last few years (since covid) and it all came to a head a year ago when I simply gave up. I broke, but due to other factors (family/work), I had to find tools to keep going! I found the group setting the most helpful. It is very easy to isolate yourself and forget that other people also go through these experiences. Lived experience of others has helped me out of my shame of feeling helpless. The fact that it was all women was a bonus. The invitations to try new methods were great as they really helped with self-regulation.

I found the teaching/theories very relatable and that is why I found them easier to practice above all other forms of therapy I have trialled this last year, such as CBT. This has also complemented my talking therapy beautifully. The course always came from a place of lived experience, which I thought was extremely valuable. I only wish I could continue in some capacity as I took so much from it.”

“This course was fabulous! I found it helpful having a weekly session because it helped with my accountability to practice the skills and techniques we were being shown. Learning mindfulness has had a huge impact – I use it daily and it is becoming a part of my way of being. This course has changed my life! Thank you.”

“I had been feeling very distressed and anxious, worrying about the future and finding it difficult to get things into perspective. Consequently, I’d felt very unhappy and had lost purpose. It has been helpful to gain ideas of how to reduce anxiety and the fact they are very short and amenable in all situations. Even when I’m out having a coffee! I now feel calmer and allow space in my life. I feel more relaxed and frequently tap into the course ideas daily. I’ve really enjoyed this course after initially thinking it isn’t for me. I’ve felt very supported throughout and developed clear strategies to use in my daily life.”

“I wanted to learn to ‘calm myself’ as I suffer with anxiety and depression and often feel dysregulated. I have found a sense of community by attending the course. It makes you feel less alone in your struggles. The facilitators have been amazing and so compassionate to everyone. Learning mindfulness has made me more aware of how beautiful nature is and more aware of how connected everyone is. I particularly loved learning the loving kindness meditation.” 

“I wanted to learn how to manage better as I often struggle with overwhelm. I’m much more aware now that I spend a lot of my time either ruminating over things that have already passed or panicking about things that may or may not happen in the future. I feel that following the course, I’m now more able to focus on the here and now, to live more in the present and concentrate on one thing at a time. I particularly like using an anchor to ground me, when I feel unable to control my environment. Thank you to you both, it has been really helpful!”

“I’d been unwell recently and my anxiety and stress levels were very high because of it. I now feel much more present in my daily life. I take things slower and notice the small things. Thank you for a great course full of really valuable information.”

“The course was suggested by my GP Mental Health Practitioner – I wanted to learn how to be more resilient and find support for emotional/rapid mood swings. I enjoyed meeting other people and learning what others go through (feel less alone). The facilitators were very patient and understanding. I found it helpful to be aware of myself and understand my automatic habits and how to relax more when in pain. Very knowledgeable tutors who made me feel welcome and at ease. Very good practice of knowing how to communicate if we felt overwhelmed or upset and that it was all OK and we didn’t need to feel self-conscious or embarrassed. Thank you very much for this free resource.”

“I was struggling with anxiety, stress and having a busy mind. Understanding more about how my brain works and being able to separate anxious thoughts was really useful. I feel that I am able to rationalise stressed/anxious thoughts better, and am trying to be more mindful when undertaking everyday activities. Thank you so much for providing such an amazing course.”

“I wanted to be introduced to mindfulness alongside other neurodivergent people. A safe group of people was important to me and made me take the leap to sign up. I have learnt things that have helped me understand myself, why I think or feel certain ways and more importantly, how to try and keep myself in a middle ground by managing emotions and feelings.

I make a point of taking moments throughout the hecticness of days to look after ‘me’ and even though they are brief, it’s made me generally more positive and calm. I can use my brain and thoughts for other things other than what other people ‘need’. It feels like I can use my brain for positive, small things I like and slowing down the constant ‘to do’s’ of life. I’m really grateful to you both for the course being so inclusive, calming, reassuring and informative.”

“I am really grateful to have had the opportunity to do the course. I feel 8 weeks was just the right amount of time for me to be able to commit to the course. I really enjoyed the two people who ran it – Kirsty and Cori – they were never judging of anyone throughout the course. Both were positive and had the right tone of voice for listening to mindfulness. I felt there was an even mix of learning about a subject, doing a practice and discussion to keep you engaged and I enjoyed having a movement practice. I feel I will benefit from it moving forward. Thank you!”

“Learning to live in the moment has helped my stress levels. I enjoy focusing on objects and my breathing. I feel as though it clears my head and gives me more clarity. I feel lucky to have found this course. I was sceptical at first, but I’m pleased I stuck with it. It has been very informative and both Kirsty and Justine have been professional, empathetic and very kind. Thank you!”

“I found it helpful to learn the ‘why’ and the science-based information of mindfulness. I feel calmer and can feel a difference in my understanding of my own nervous system state. Thank you for your knowledge, wisdom and kindness. It has been the most useful course I have attended, as it has focused on positivity and reflection rather than blame.”

“I understood that the course would be an additional tool in my treatment for depression and lack of self-confidence. I found it helpful that the course was in person – I have no motivation to study alone, especially when it comes to developing a new skill. Also, the safe and non-judgemental environment that permeated the sessions. Finally the permission of fidget toys, accompanied by the explanation of the concepts.  

Thank you for offering such an important and free course, since people with emotional/psychological issues do not always have the financial resources to access therapies, trainings etc. The two facilitators who, in addition to all their technical knowledge, were sensitive enough to reveal their vulnerabilities, sharing how much mindfulness tools also help them in their personal lives, sparked a great interest in me to participate in the sessions. It kept me engaged as I noticed that the facilitators genuinely benefit from the tools shared.”

“The course leaders with their lived experiences made the course what it was. I felt understood, not judged and that it was a safe space to be. It also helped to see that even when other people lives are difficult, they can still find ways to be at peace with that and enjoy life. Mindfulness has helped me relax, focus on how I’m feeling and respond to my own feelings and my children. It has given me something to focus on throughout the day wheras I may have spiralled into upset/worry previously. The course was wonderful! Kay and Kirsty are both very calm, patient and understanding and just get it, how it is parenting ND children whilst trying to manage your own feelings.”

“I wanted to learn more about mindfulness, about autism and also about myself. I’m now more aware of how I’m feeling, and understand my mood and patterns of autism. Thank you for all the lovely sessions and for all your kindness and support. Please provide more groups for autistic adults to learn mindfulness.”

“I wanted to understand my feelings better and to be with others like me. I’ve found practicing very useful. In everyday issues, I’m much calmer and can talk myself down better. My brother is in the armed police and sees many bad things that he struggles with after the event, so I’ve shared what I’ve learnt with him. I really appreciate Kirsty and Justine. They have been so very helpful on my life journey with CPTSD. Feeling ‘not alone’ and supported with tools I own in my body, I hope will help me to go forward.” 

“I needed guidance to use mindfulness more often, as I’ve done it before but struggled to use it in day to day life. This course has helped me to use mindfulness more often and when needed. Using the techniques helps me to pause and take some time to reset before tackling a situation. The way the course was been presented was helpful, and the honesty of the facilitators made it so much easier to understand. Thank you very much for all the help you have given me.”

“Through this course and interactions with Kirsty, I got the awareness of my complex PTSD. I now have a better understanding of how to deal with the stress, anxiety, depression and even trauma. I’m able to go inside, but mindfully, by noticing my breath, body sensations and feelings.”

“I wanted support to help me find ‘me’ again, rather than just being a carer. I’m now more aware of being in the moment. I loved this course, thank you. At the start, I was a bit dubious about whether it would help, but it has been great.”

“I am late diagnosed ASD. I attended to help me process the diagnosis and get some help. It was very good to match explanations with exercises and allow feedback from the group. The different perspectives of the group members could be expressed which helped everyone. It was very helpful to point out to people how more time for processing and rest is needed.”

“I attended the sessions to help me find better ways to cope. Learning mindfulness techniques and having support from Kirsty helped me a lot. The sessions were really positive and have helped me slow down my thoughts, manage stress better and cope better day to day. Kirsty was lovely and made me feel comfortable and understood. Thank you.”

“I really enjoyed the structure of the course. The knowledge in each session was easily actionable and can built into a busy day. My mind feels less busy and most of the time, I’m able to recognise and validate my own feelings. The knowledge and insight we learnt from the faciliators wouldn’t easily be gained from a book.”

“Learning mindfulness has enabled me to nurture myself more and be able to use this skill automatically. The course has been a truly amazing experience. A perfect balance of information and practice, delivered by two lovely, knowledgeable ladies. Plus they have lived experience, which makes it feel so much more authentic.”

“The Restore & Recover course has changed my life! I had been struggling with my mental health and wanted to help myself regulate and feel less overwhelmed. I now have strategies to use, am having less meltdowns and am being kinder to myself. For the first time in my life, I have learnt to accept who I am and to embrace my behaviours – but have control of them using the strategies and resources shared in the sessions. I just want to thank you for helping me. I think the course has changed the direction my life was going – I feel more positive and optimistic about my future now.”

“My doctor told me about the course and I thought I would give it a go to see if it would help my anxiety. Learning mindfulness helps my thoughts from going crazy and makes me feel calm and relaxed. It’s taught me a new way to deal with my anxiety and has been an amazing course, which I’m so sad has come to an end – I wish it could have been for longer. The facilitators have been amazing. They have both shown me a new journey of life.”

“The course has been fantastic. Kirsty is a great teacher, very knowledgeable and understanding. The course content was a great mixture of theory and practices. I have learnt a lot about myself by exploring mindfulness – some things now make more sense. The mindfulness practices have been great as they are all guided, which is helpful for me. Attending the course has encouraged me to try to be more mindful in everyday life, trying to slow down and not do everything in autopilot.” 

“I was looking for support with my mental health and stress levels when I joined the course. It has been helpful to learn all the techniques for the way we think, talk and act – I now think before talking with my partner. Mindfulness has definitely made me calmer, more observant, and more considerate, and I loved coming to the sessions.”

“This was the most informative, useful course I have attended for some years. I learned so much about autism and neurodiversity, and how many symptoms can be managed better or eased with the practice of mindfulness and other coping strategies. I was grateful for the trauma-informed facilitation and the choices given. Being on the course helped me feel less isolated, and understand myself and others a little better. This has been one of the best courses I have ever been fortunate enough to take part in. Thank you!”

“I was struggling with anxiety, depression and stress, and needing a tool to help. The course has really changed my outlook on life and helped me look at things very differently. It has been helpful having time out of the house for myself and the companionship of a lovely group. The fact that Kirsty has suffered with her mental health is what’s made a huge difference to anything I’ve tried before. She is very relatable to how we all feel.”

“I felt I needed something to improve my mental health, which is why I attended the course. The guided practices and exploration of these in the group were helpful and I feel it has made me try and focus on the here and now, and not what is coming – being in the moment. Kirsty was so welcoming and calm and friendly, and it was a pleasure to have this opportunity to learn from her.”

“Over the weeks, I have noticed a great deal of difference in how I choose to cope with stress. I am able to catch the feelings before they get too overwhelming. Or if I can’t, then I know I can take two minutes and do a quick exercise to help. I just want to say I am so happy and delighted with these sessions and the way Kirsty and Kay held themselves in the group. Their professionalism and kind, calm demeanour made it much easier to open up and take part when I was feeling hesitant or shy.”

“I found the course excellent and very helpful. I wanted to learn tools to help with emotional regulation and processing, along with encouragement to practice mindfulness. It was very helpful to experience this with a neurodivergent group and tutors. All the materials provided have helped me to consolidate the learning and continue practice at home. The guided practice in the sessions and discussion afterwards was a very good way to learn in a supportive environment. Kay & Kirsty were positive and inclusive, valuing everyone’s contributions. I always felt calmer after the sessions!”

“I attended the course to understand what the term mindfulness means, learn how to practice, and to lift the darkness that surrounds me. It has been helpful to try the different mindfulness exercises during the course with guidance from Kirsty and Cori. This has helped me to find the exercises that resonate with me. I have noticed a significant difference and I practice mindfulness most days. The breath work is helping me cope with my bereavement, depression and anxiety. When I practice mindfulness, I feel less edgy and anxious. Thanks so very much to Kirsty and Cori for my mindfulness journey.”

“I reached out to Yellow Beacon to see if they could support me in coping with the severe anxiety I was experiencing as a result of a prolonged bout of compassion fatigue. Having never undertaken any guided mindfulness practice before, I didn’t know what to expect. However, I can honestly say that the experience has been transformative and life-changing for me.

The sessions were completely tailored to my needs and created a very safe environment. Initially, I was skeptical about trying this type of practice due to common myths surrounding it, but all those doubts were quickly dispelled. By simply being willing to learn and keep an open mind, I found that this approach worked for me.

One of the most important lessons I learned from my practitioner, Kirsty, is that there is no right or wrong way to practice mindfulness. It’s okay to pause and return to it if you feel overwhelmed. This understanding has been profoundly beneficial in helping me manage stress.

I strongly urge anyone to give Yellow Beacon a try. Keeping a curious and open mind can make all the difference, just as it did for me.”

“I was looking for help with anxiety and better stress management techniques to build and strengthen mental resilience. It was really helpful to understand how the nervous system controls our feelings and how we can manage this. Great course!”

“I attended the Restore & Recover course to help improve my mental health and reduce anxiety. It has been helpful to understand more about neurodiversity and that some things which might be regarded as ‘quirks’ are actual recognised issues with scientific names! It’s been very affirming to realise other people go through the same things. Attending the course online made it very accessible and it’s been lovely to hear the experiences of others.”

“I have been going through depression and anxiety with low moods. I needed something to help me, so I chose mindfulness. I found the self-compassion the most moving and emotional part of the course, as it was something I really struggle to offer myself, as I felt I wasn’t worth it. Mindfulness has really helped me come out of my worries and focus on the moment. I just wish the course could last forever, it’s been life changing!”

“I have made small, but significant changes to my daily routine so far, which I hope to keep building on. The course has made sure that I have set aside 2 hours a week to concentrate on me! I’m now hoping to continue this focus for myself. It has been helpful to learn new skills and have people who understand how I feel.”

“I chose to attend the course to help me with my overthinking and brain fog, and to help with my anxiety. This was an amazing course and journey to take. I feel more open and happier, and try and do a little mindfulness every week. I also remember where my mind is at before doing things.”

“I wanted to gain knowledge of mindfulness practice to integrate it into my ongoing life journey. Mindfulness has opened up a beautiful, calm existence for me. I’m finding myself living more and more in the moment. Sincere thanks for your kind, honest, knowledgeable mindfulness information. It’s been the best eight weeks of my life – I feel awakened!”

“My close friend advised me to contact Yellow Beacon as I was struggling to sleep and was absolutely exhausted. I was looking to find tools that empowered me and a support that was natural and holistic to heal my over sensitive nervous system.

Kirsty is like-minded and understood what I was going through. I found her knowledge of the nervous system really interesting. I started on a series of eight mindfulness sessions over the Summer.

I found every practice enjoyable and very beneficial, and the recorded practices Kirsty sent me allowed me to access her soothing voice every day. I incorporated mindfulness into my daily life, and gradually I began to feel better.

I believe mindfulness meditation is essential for my wellbeing and enjoy continuing to develop my practice with Kirsty through the monthly practice sessions.”

“I joined the course to gain practical tools for mindfulness. I found it helpful to try a variety of different techniques to support mindfulness and becoming more present. I still do the mindful sip, and my walking and stick throwing is more pleasant. In a morning, I now have a fully focused cuddle with my pooch, rather than doom scrolling.”

“I wanted to find ways of dealing with stress. Some of the practices were very powerful and I enjoyed the group discussions. I’m now able to use the practices in stressful situations. A big thank you to Kirsty and Kay!”

“I struggle with manic thought patterns and finding ways to calm them is good. I found it helpful to learn how to use physical aids to calm me and I have longer in the week where I can calm my thoughts.”

“I wanted to improve my coping mechanisms to stress. Mindfulness has helped me to slow down a little and I find the breathing exercises and anchor mindfulness helpful. I wish the course had been longer and forever!”

“I wanted time for me, and to revisit mindfulness. It was helpful to have the faciliators share their lived experience and journeys, and to have the space, support and guidance to try out the various tools and practices. Mindfulness has given me permission to be, permission to do, permission to try, fail and try again. I have a better connection to humanity itself.”

“I have a keen interest in mindfulness for personal use and to share with others. I found it helpful to learn about the window of tolerance and trying different anchors to draw attention to. Mindfulness has helped me know that taking a moment during the day to reset is beneficial, especially during days with stressful workloads. Thank you both for your hard work and commitment.”