We’re delighted to announce new Wellbeing Sessions for ADCH Members!

Starting from October a new wellbeing benefit will be available to the staff, volunteers and foster carers of ADCH member organisations. This will take the form of a new ADCH Wellbeing Facebook group and weekly online Zoom sessions lead by our Wellbeing Volunteer Gary Fielder.

Gary shared,

“Working with dogs, cats and other sentient creatures in the animal welfare sector can enhance our emotional and physical wellbeing, sense of purpose, connection with a worthwhile cause and likeminded people. But caring for animals in difficult situations can also adversely affect the wellbeing and resilience of the humans involved. We can only provide that care to animals in need, if we look after ourselves too. If we have ways to restore ourselves, to nourish and repair. We cannot pour from an empty jug.”

Gary has been running wellbeing, mindfulness and meditation sessions for Battersea for over five years and is now offering the same across the sector via ADCH. He is a former counsellor and psychotherapist with a background in teaching Mindfulness.

The Facebook group will be a place to share helpful resources and ways people cope when their wellbeing is compromised. Dates and times of wellbeing Zoom sessions will be shared.

The Zoom sessions will run each Wednesday, alternating between mornings (at 10.30am) and evenings (at 7.00pm) and will last around 40 minutes. A subject affecting wellbeing might be explored at the start, some guidance in Mindfulness might follow and a meditation or two will complete the session. No experience of mindfulness or meditation are necessary to join the session.

The objective is to develop our understanding of the many factors affecting emotional and physical wellbeing and enhance our self-awareness and resilience.

ADCH Members can register for the sessions on our ‘Upcoming Events‘ page.