Sheffield supported housing organisation starts mindfulness & wellbeing course to support residents and staff
Green Bridge Community Housing (GBCH) is strengthening its commitment to emotional wellbeing by introducing new initiatives designed to support both the people it serves and the staff who work alongside them.
Many individuals supported by GBCH have experienced homelessness, trauma, instability or other significant life challenges. Recognising the important role emotional wellbeing plays in rebuilding lives, the organisation is taking steps to provide practical tools that help people manage stress, build resilience and regain confidence.
Supporting staff wellbeing is also central to the initiative. By ensuring staff feel supported and equipped, GBCH aims to create calm, stable and supportive environments that benefit everyone within its services.
Space to Breathe
As part of this wider commitment, GBCH is currently delivering a five-week mindfulness and wellbeing course in Sheffield, facilitated by local wellbeing provider Space to Breathe.
The course introduces simple mindfulness techniques and practical strategies that participants can use in everyday life to improve emotional awareness, manage stress and develop resilience.
Many of the people we support have experienced incredibly challenging circumstances, so supporting emotional wellbeing is a really important part of the support we provide.
She added: “This course has given both residents and staff simple, practical tools they can use to manage stress and build resilience. It’s been really encouraging to see people engaging with the sessions and supporting one another.”
Around 20 to 30 people have attended each weekly session, including both staff members and individuals supported by GBCH. The sessions are being held at the organisation’s Sheffield office and have provided a welcoming space for participants to reflect, learn and share experiences.
The programme focuses on accessible approaches to wellbeing rather than complex theory, ensuring participants leave with practical tools they can apply in their daily lives.
The first session introduces the foundations of wellbeing, focusing on grounding techniques and building a sense of stability. Subsequent sessions explore simple mindfulness practices, the role the body plays in emotional wellbeing and ways to recognise and manage feelings of overwhelm.
The course concludes with a reflective session where participants develop a personal wellbeing plan, encouraging them to continue using the techniques they have learned beyond the programme itself.
A great five-week programme that really supports wellbeing. The tutor was excellent and helped me relax, be more mindful, and learn practical ways to cope with difficult situations without feeling overwhelmed.
Rebuilding lives
For many people supported by GBCH, rebuilding stability after homelessness or other life disruptions can be a long and challenging process. Emotional wellbeing plays a crucial role in this journey, helping individuals regain confidence and feel more in control of their lives.
Mindfulness practices can support this process by helping people slow down, recognise stress triggers and develop healthier responses to difficult emotions. Even small techniques, such as breathing exercises or grounding practices, can make a meaningful difference in daily life.
GBCH believes initiatives like this form an important part of a holistic approach to support — one that focuses not only on housing but also on long-term wellbeing and independence.
Supporting staff wellbeing is equally important. Staff working in supported housing environments often deal with complex situations and emotionally demanding roles. Providing them with practical wellbeing tools helps maintain a supportive atmosphere for residents while also protecting their own resilience.
Long-standing experience
Space to Breathe specialises in practical mindfulness and emotional wellbeing programmes.
The sessions are facilitated by Andy Freeman, co-director and founder of Space to Breathe. Freeman has more than 20 years of experience working in emotional support across the charity and voluntary sectors.
He is a qualified Mental Health First Aider with MHFA UK and holds qualifications in safeguarding, cognitive behavioural therapy and the Power, Threat, Meaning Framework. His work focuses on helping individuals develop simple, accessible ways to improve wellbeing and emotional resilience.
Andy said: “It’s been a pleasure for me to work with Green Bridge Community Housing on this course. Learning how to understand and manage your emotions helps everyone make sense of a stressful and changing world. This course has allowed people to grasp their own way of finding balance, their choice of techniques to handle challenges and their own way of being as healthy as possible.”
While the current Sheffield programme will conclude this month, GBCH sees it as part of a broader commitment to embedding wellbeing support across its services.
Plans are already in place to deliver the programme through the organisation’s Leeds service, with further wellbeing initiatives expected to be developed throughout the year.
By continuing to prioritise emotional wellbeing alongside housing and practical support, Green Bridge Community Housing hopes to empower the people it supports to rebuild their lives and move forward towards a more stable and independent future.
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