Heads Together: Social Innovations in Mental Wellness

Join us in the second event in our Social Impact Showcase series as we explore how socially innovative organisations can contribute to our mental health and wellbeing sectors. At this event, we will explore how our personal and professional mental health is supported by charities, social enterprises and campaigns with a population with healthy wellbeing at its heart. Speakers from across The Melting Pot's thriving network will generate discussion on mental wellbeing throughout different stages of life, including: how we can instil positive attitudes to mental health within the early years of our families; how we can generate an atmosphere of psychological safety in the workplace; and how we can accommodate the different wellbeing needs for those on neurodiverse journeys.

In our signature style for events at The Melting Pot, our speakers will take turns to introduce their organisations, sharing their contribution to the mental health and wellbeing sector, and then stimulate audience discussion with one question. Speakers for this event include: Christina Cran of Wee Seeds, Andy Williamson of Welcome Brain and Ciaran Armstrong of Sustainable Pathways. We are also delighted that Gary Young of The Mindful Enterprise CIC will facilitate mindful moments at the beginning and end of the event.

What is The Mindful Enterprise CIC and how does Gary practice mindfulness daily?

The Mindful Enterprise was launched as a Community Interest Company in March 2017 primarily to tackle the rising problem of mental health issues in society. The company has grown and evolved in many ways over the years since its inception, however the mission has remained the same; to empower people with the tools to enhance their health and wellbeing and unlock human potential through mindfulness-based training, seminars, therapeutic support and immersive retreat experiences.

Mindfulness has become an essential foundation in my day to day life. I normally do a silent meditation first thing in the morning to connect with my body before the day gets busy and observe all the unfolding fields of information (thoughts, sensations, sounds, feelings, etc) without getting caught up in the details. Each time my attention wanders into thinking, I gently guide it back to the subtle feeling of breathing which trains my mind to be present, calm and aware and strengthens my ability to be mindful. I then have a purposeful pause at least 3 times over the day to tune back into my body, notice how my mind is and take steps to discharge stress or emotionally regulate as appropriate using the breath, before carrying back on with my day, mindfully aware. Integrating mindfulness doesn't have to be difficult or another thing to add to the 'to do' list, we just need to remember to do it and this comes through positive intention, setting reminders and repetition. Once the neural pathways are developed and the capacity of inner resource is built, it becomes a natural part of day to day life.

What is Welcome Brain and what does wellness look like to Andy?

Welcome Brain is a neurodiversity consultancy, helping organisations become neuroinclusive. To Welcome Brain, wellness means giving everyone within an organisation the freedom, the respect, and resources to be individuals.

Who is Jamie Armstrong and what does Assumption Busting?

Jamie is a businessperson, performer, coach and facilitator who synthesises his wide experience to help clients fuse creativity with business performance and stretch the minds of even the strongest business team.

Over the past 30 years, Jamie has created and facilitated leadership, staff and community engagement and education programmes with companies ranging from Arup, Kingspan, Scottish Widows, Lloyds TSB, NOW TV, BSkyB, City Building Glasgow, World Rugby, Baillie Gifford & Co, Historic Environment Scotland, Social Enterprise Scotland, WSREC and Scottish Government.

Ciaran and Jamie founded Sustainable Pathways in their living room during the first Covid-19 lockdown on the vision of creating an even better world where people think, live and work sustainably with ease.

About Charisma Charity Recruitment

Charisma Charity Recruitment (Charisma) are the non-profit recruitment experts. Since 2002, we've been the trusted recruitment partner for a diverse range of charities, not-for-profits and third sector organisations across the UK.
We understand the opportunities, challenges and values that drive the sector, and we utilise our extensive knowledge to attract and secure experienced leaders as well as supporting the next generation of talented individuals preparing to join this unique and purposeful sector.

We work in partnership and every campaign is unique. We work hard to guarantee a successful outcome, and by working in partnership, we get to know your organisation, and its values, allowing us to represent you and your organisation with the same enthusiasm that you have for your cause. This understanding ensures that we engage the right people, who will bring the relevant skills and experience to help your organisation reach even greater heights.

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