Creating Space to Pause: Supporting Staff Wellbeing Through Mindfulness

A Mindfulness & Wellbeing Workshop with the Child and Adolescent Mental
Health Services Administration Team

Last week, I had the pleasure of facilitating a Mindfulness and Wellbeing Workshop for more than 40 members of the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) Administration Team.

The workshop concluded their Administration Discipline Day, providing an opportunity for staff to step away from a day of learning, slow down, and experience practical mindfulness strategies they could take with them into both their work and personal lives.

From the moment I arrived, I was made to feel incredibly welcome. The warmth, openness and genuine engagement in the room made it a privilege to spend the afternoon with such a dedicated group of professionals.

Recognising the People Behind the Scenes

When we think about mental health services, our minds often go to the clinicians working directly with children, young people and their families. Yet every service relies on an administration team whose work keeps everything running smoothly.

They are often the first point of contact for families, coordinating appointments, supporting clinicians, managing competing priorities and helping create a positive experience for everyone who walks through the door. Their work requires patience, adaptability and compassion, often while navigating the demands of a busy healthcare environment.

Like so many people working in helping professions, they spend much of their day supporting others. Taking time to care for their own wellbeing is equally important.

An Afternoon of Mindfulness

Throughout the workshop we explored practical, evidence-informed strategies to help reduce stress, increase self-awareness and create moments of calm throughout the day.

Together we discussed:

• Understanding how stress affects both the mind and body.
• Recognising the signs that our nervous system is becoming overwhelmed.
• Simple mindfulness practices that can be incorporated into even the busiest workday.
• Gentle grounding techniques to help us pause, reset and reconnect with the present moment.
• A guided mindfulness meditation to conclude the afternoon.

One of the things I enjoy most about facilitating workplace mindfulness workshops is seeing participants realise that mindfulness doesn’t have to be complicated or time consuming. It isn’t about finding an extra hour in the day – it can begin with something as simple as taking one intentional breath, noticing your feet on the floor before answering the next phone call, or allowing yourself a brief pause between tasks.

These small moments of awareness can gradually support greater calm, focus and resilience, both at work and at home.

A Meaningful Way to End the Day

It was an honour to conclude the Administration Discipline Day and offer staff an opportunity to shift from learning and information into reflection and self-care.

The conversations, participation and willingness to embrace the experience reminded me how valuable it is when organisations invest in the wellbeing of their people. Creating space for staff to pause, reconnect and recharge is more than a thoughtful addition to professional development – it contributes to healthier, more sustainable workplaces where people feel supported both personally and professionally.

Feedback from the Workshop

Receiving feedback after a workshop is always special, and I was grateful to receive these kind words from one of the organisers.

“Thank you so much for your wonderful session at our Administration Discipline Day. It was a lovely way to end the day and the mindfulness techniques will certainly assist me and others in our day-to-day lives.”

Sarah Crichton
Learning & Development Project Support Officer

Thank you to Sarah and the entire Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services Administration Team for your warm welcome and for inviting me to be part of your Discipline Day. It was a genuine pleasure to spend the afternoon with you.

Mindfulness Workshops for Adelaide Workplaces

At Alite Mind, I facilitate tailored mindfulness and wellbeing workshops for workplaces, healthcare organisations, schools and community groups across Adelaide.

Each workshop is practical, engaging and trauma-informed, offering participants realistic strategies to manage stress, strengthen resilience and support their wellbeing in both their professional and personal lives.

If your organisation is looking to support staff wellbeing through a mindfulness workshop, I’d love to chat about creating a session tailored to your team.