The KvLS Listening Post will be at the Mela Festival in Hoglands Park on Saturday the 12th and Sunday the 13th of July - come over and say 'hi' :)
Why we created “Learning from Trauma”
At KvLS, we believe that understanding our experiences is a powerful step toward healing. Many of us live with the ongoing impact of trauma - sometimes without even realising it. The way we think, feel, relate to others, and even how we hold ourselves physically can be deeply shaped by past events.
Our Learning from Trauma workshop is created to offer a space for people who want to understand this better. Over ten weekly sessions, we explore what trauma does to the body and mind, how we’ve learned to adapt or survive, and why we might turn to substances or other 'bad' habits to cope with everyday life.
This isn’t a therapy group, but it is therapeutic. It’s a space where we bring together evidence-based knowledge and personal reflection, all held safely by trained therapists.
We look at key ideas from neuroscience, psychology, and trauma theory, and we make sure these ideas are accessible and meaningful – even if you’ve never done anything like this before. Most importantly, we invite you to reflect on what this means in the context of your own life.
The group is supportive, structured, and grounded. You don’t need to share your personal story unless you want to - you’ll have space to think, learn, and connect.
If you’re curious about why you respond the way you do, if you’re tired of surviving and want to start understanding - this could be the right next step.
Please see the picture for details, and if you’d like to register, just drop us a message. We hope you’ll join us.
This week is all about looking after your mental wellbeing, and today we're starting with one of the most powerful tools we have: connection.
When we connect - with a friend, a neighbour, our community, or even just a friendly face - we give our mental health a boost. It's like giving your brain and your heart a high five!
Cultivate meaningful relationships with friends, family, and community to foster a sense of belonging and support.
💜 Whether it's a text, a walk, a chat over tea, or just sharing space with someone - connection reminds us we're not alone.
Huge thanks to Lost & Found for these brilliant images - check out their amazing mental health streetwear!
When life gets busy, we can forget to pause and just… be.
Today is your reminder to slow down, breathe, and notice what’s around you.
Practice mindfulness and be present in the moment, appreciating the beauty around you and finding gratitude in everyday experiences.
🧠 Notice the warmth of your tea.
🌳 Notice the way the light hits the trees.
💬 Notice how you're feeling - without judgement.
Taking notice brings us into the present and helps reduce stress.
A little mindfulness can go a long way.
A kind word, a helping hand, a listening ear - when we give, we don’t just lift others, we lift ourselves too.
Share your time, skills, and kindness with others through volunteering, acts of kindness, or simply offering support, fostering a sense of purpose and fulfilment.
💬 Giving doesn’t need to cost a thing.
😊 It can be a smile, a compliment, a “how are you really?”
🎁 And yes, sometimes it’s cake.
Giving builds connection and brings purpose - both great for mental wellbeing.
💜a massive thank you to all our volunteer counsellors - we would not be here without you 💜
Moving our bodies helps shift our minds. You don’t have to run a marathon - just get moving in a way that feels good to you.
Energise your body and mind through regular physical activity, whether it is a brisk walk, yoga session, or dance class, to boost your mood and overall well-being.
🚶 Walk the long way home
💃 Dance in the kitchen
🌳 Stretch in the park
Physical activity boosts mood, improves sleep, and lowers stress. Every step counts.
What can you do today?
Learning isn’t just for classrooms - it’s for life. When we learn something new, we build confidence, curiosity, and resilience.
Stimulate your mind by seeking out new knowledge and experiences, whether it's through formal education, hobbies, or exploring different cultures, to enhance creativity and personal growth.
🎨 Try a new recipe
🎧 Listen to a podcast
🧩 Pick up a hobby you’ve always meant to try
Crochet anyone?
Founded in 2023 on the South Coast of England, Lost & Found is Jon’s vision to challenge stigma and inspire open conversations about mental health. With the support of his wife Dee, the brand serves as a reminder that feeling lost is part of the journey.
Lost & Found is a mental health inspired clothing brand that stands against the stigma associated with mental health issues. With a profound message, the brand represents a compelling journey of personal transformation that goes beyond the confines of fashion, embodying a narrative of self-discovery, physical transformation, and an ongoing battle with anxiety and mental health.
May 2025
Missed our March 2025 newsletter Let’s Talk Therapy?
No worries - you can read it here (just click on the left - or above if you are reading this on your phone).
This month, we’re talking about Sleep Hygiene - and there's even a quick test so you can see how much you already know (or don’t!).
We’re also introducing you to another friendly face on our team, sharing our World Domination Plan (well, the Listening Post at four local festivals – come say hi!), and giving you a peek into the Continued Professional Development we’re focusing on right now.
Curious? Dive in.
March 2025
"Acknowledge your pain, respond with kindness." – Russ Harris
This simple yet powerful quote reminds us how to approach life’s challenges with compassion. Pain, whether emotional, physical, or psychological, is a natural part of being human. Often, we try to ignore or fight it, but what if we simply paused to acknowledge it instead?
Acknowledging pain means recognising its presence without judgment. It’s about saying, “I see you. I hear you,” and allowing yourself to feel what’s real. Suppressing pain only amplifies it, while acknowledgment creates space for understanding and growth.
Once we recognise our struggles, the next step is to respond with kindness. Imagine how you’d comfort a friend who’s hurting—offering warmth and empathy, not criticism. What if you treated yourself the same way?
Kindness could look like:
✨ Taking a break when you’re overwhelmed.
✨ Replacing harsh self-talk with gentle affirmations.
✨ Reaching out for support when you need it.
It’s not about fixing the pain or making it go away. It’s about transforming how you relate to it. By acknowledging pain and responding with kindness, we build resilience, foster self-compassion, and remind ourselves that we’re worthy of care—even in our hardest moments.
So today, take a moment to pause. What would kindness look like for you right now? 💜
#SelfCompassion #Healing #MentalHealthMatters #RussHarris #Kindness
"If you are always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be." – Maya Angelou
This empowering quote by Maya Angelou is a beautiful reminder that embracing your uniqueness is where your true power lies. Trying to fit into a mold of “normal” can hold you back from discovering your full potential and all the incredible things you’re capable of.
Being "amazing" doesn’t mean being perfect. It means being authentically you—bold, flawed, creative, and extraordinary in ways only you can be.
Here’s how to embrace your uniqueness:
💜 Celebrate your quirks. What makes you different is what makes you you.
💜 Try something new. Step out of your comfort zone and explore your untapped potential.
💜 Quiet the inner critic. You don’t have to be “normal” to be worthy, talented, or loved.
💜 Shine unapologetically. Don’t dim your light for anyone!
Your individuality is a gift—not something to hide but something to nurture and share with the world. So, stop chasing “normal” and start discovering how amazing you already are. 🌟
What’s one unique trait or talent that makes you you? Share it and own it! 💜
#MayaAngelou #BeYourself #Authenticity #YouAreAmazing #SelfLove
February 2025
💜 As we step into the New Year, we are reminded that every fresh start brings new opportunities to grow, reflect, and connect.
2025 is a blank canvas, ready for us to paint with our hopes, goals, and dreams. It's a chance to embrace progress, no matter how small, and to celebrate every step we take toward a brighter future.
At KvLS Mental Health Support, we believe in the power of community and the importance of supporting one another through life’s challenges. This year, let’s commit to prioritising our well-being and being kinder to ourselves and those around us.
Whether you’re setting resolutions, continuing your journey, or simply taking things day by day, know that you’re not alone. We’re here to walk alongside you, offering support, encouragement, and a listening ear whenever you need it.
Here’s to 2025 – a year of self-discovery, growth, and possibilities. Together, we can make it meaningful and fulfilling.
Happy New Year! 🌟
With love, care and hope,
From all of us at KvLS 💜
January 2025
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