Foundation Learning Students Practice Chi Me During Lockdown

Throughout the recent lockdown Foundation Learning students from SERC’s Lisburn and Newtownards campuses participated in a virtual Mental Health programme that used the ‘Take Five’ approach and included Chi Me classes.

Caroline McGrath, a Community Health Development Practitioner for the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust who delivered the programme said, “As part of the PROMPT Programme I usually deliver five bespoke sessions which include personal hygiene, healthy relationships, healthy eating, online safety and mental health at SERC throughout the year. I was keen to continue supporting the staff and to keep in touch with the students by pivoting to an online programme.

“We agreed to dedicate the sessions to supporting the student’s mental health and wellbeing as the lockdowns have disproportionately impacted on people with a learning disability.

Caroline added, “The Chi Me sessions have been a particular success with the students who have been learning a new skill whilst getting active and supporting their mental health. Chi Me is also known as ‘Meditation in Motion’ and even ‘Medication in Motion.

Caroline concluded, “It has been inspiring and encouraging to see the students and hear such positive feedback from all the amazing and dedicated tutors in SERC and of course the students”.

Adele McAteer, Foundation Learning Co-ordinator/Lecturer in Lisburn said, “Both students and staff thoroughly enjoyed the sessions and we all looked forward to them each week.

“The Chi Me classes helped students physical and mental well-being and they found the classes relaxing and therapeutic, often commenting that they were less anxious or stressed after each class. They also found that their physical fitness and balance improved.  Participating online was fun and the students really enjoyed seeing each other virtually each week.

“Working online can be challenging for students so looking after their mental and physical health is imperative. These mental health sessions delivered by Caroline really focused on addressing this and ensured that students were equipped with important coping skills that they could utilise any time they felt stressed or anxious.” 

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Caption: Chi Me: As part of a programme to help their mental health, foundation learning students at South Eastern Regional College (SERC) recently learned Chi Me, to help with mental and physical wellbeing. Pictured are students Aimee Broome and Ben Hayward.