Mindfulness sessions
These evidence-based mindfulness sessions are designed to support anyone affected by cancer who may be experiencing anxiety, stress, worry, sleep difficulties, or other symptoms of nervous system dysregulation.
These friendly, welcoming, informal sessions are a great way to try mindfulness in a relaxed setting. Come along as often as you like, with no commitment to attend every session.
Sessions are led by experienced meditation and yoga teacher Alice Billerey, who will introduce a range of practical mindfulness techniques that can easily be incorporated into everyday life.
You’ll be guided through simple, slow movements to help improve flexibility, ease stiffness, and support your overall wellbeing. The session also includes breathing and relaxation to help you feel more relaxed.
Alice Billerey – Yoga, meditation and mindfulness teacher
Alice first discovered yoga, meditation and mindfulness as a way to support her own wellbeing while living with arthritis; practices which have since become the foundation of her approach to life. She is passionate about helping others experience the benefits of mindful movement, breath, and meditation, creating a welcoming, compassionate space where everyone feels supported.
Drawing on her experience in yoga, massage therapy, and counselling skills, Alice offers weekly mindfulness drop-in sessions at Penny Brohn UK designed to encourage people to reconnect with themselves and nurture their wellbeing. She believes mindfulness is accessible to everyone, whatever their age, ability, or stage of life.
FAQs
Mindfulness is an evidence-based practice that helps us become more aware of our present-moment experience with openness, curiosity, and kindness, rather than judgment.
Through simple mindfulness techniques, we can learn to respond more gently to difficult thoughts, emotions and physical sensations, instead of becoming overwhelmed by them or caught up in worries about the future or regrets about the past.
Mindfulness has been extensively researched and shown to help people affected by cancer manage stress more effectively, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve sleep, and enhance overall wellbeing, resilience and self-compassion.
Research has shown that mindfulness can be particularly beneficial for people affected by cancer. A 2024 review published in Psycho-Oncology, which analysed 28 studies involving 1,722 participants, found that mindfulness-based interventions can help people develop practical coping strategies for stressful situations, encourage positive changes in perspective, and foster a greater sense of social connection.
Everyone’s experience is different, and mindfulness is not intended to replace medical treatment. Rather, it can be a valuable complement to your existing care and support.
Potential benefits include:
For emotional wellbeing:
- Reduced stress and anxiety
- Improved mood
- Better sleep quality
- Greater emotional resilience
- Increased self-compassion
- Improved ability to cope with uncertainty
- A greater sense of calm and wellbeing
For physical wellbeing:
- Reduced physical tension
- Increased body awareness
- Lower blood pressure
- Improved relaxation
- Support for overall wellbeing
These sessions are open to anyone living with or beyond a cancer diagnosis, and their supporters, who would like to explore mindfulness as a way of supporting their wellbeing. No previous experience is necessary.
Each session includes a combination of:
- A short introduction to a mindfulness topic
- Guided mindfulness or meditation practices
- Optional opportunity for questions, gentle reflection, and feedback.
There is no pressure to speak, and you are welcome to keep your camera on or off throughout the session.
No. These sessions are designed as a drop-in service, so you are welcome to attend as often or as little as suits you.
Sessions take place every Thursday at 6.00 pm, starting from 10th September.
Each session lasts approximately 45 minutes.
We recommend finding a quiet, comfortable place where you can sit or lie down without interruption. You may wish to have a blanket, cushions, or a glass of water nearby; and it can be helpful to switch off phone or computer notifications before the session begins.
This is completely normal. Mindfulness is not about having a completely still or empty mind; it is simply about noticing where your attention is and gently bringing it back whenever it wanders. There is no “right” or “wrong” way to practice.
When we slow down and pay attention to ourselves, it can sometimes be an opportunity for emotion to flow. You are encouraged to participate only in ways that feel comfortable for you. You are welcome to take a break, keep your camera off, or simply listen if that feels more supportive.
No. All you need is a device with internet access and somewhere comfortable to sit or lie down. You do not need yoga equipment or specialist clothing.
For most people, yes. The practices taught are gentle and can be adapted to suit your energy levels and physical needs. You are encouraged to participate in whatever way feels comfortable, whether sitting, lying down or simply listening.
Ask your medical team, should you have any specific concerns.
No. Sharing is always optional. There will be time at the end of the session for anyone that would like to say hello, or feedback on their experience of the session. Some people enjoy taking part in this, while others prefer to listen quietly. Both are equally welcome.
