Mindful Pathways is a trauma-informed mindfulness and meditation programme offered to women at Christchurch Women’s Prison. Each session is grounded in compassion, safety, and the understanding that every woman - no matter her story - deserves the chance to reconnect with herself and heal.
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The programme offers practical tools to regulate the nervous system, build emotional awareness, and cultivate self compassion. What begins as a simple breath often becomes a doorway to deep healing, calm, and resilience.
Why It Matters
​Many of the women I work with have experienced complex trauma, disconnection, and cycles of harm. Mindful Pathways creates a safe and supportive space to pause, reflect, and begin the journey of coming home to themselves.
It’s a place where silence becomes sanctuary, and where women can remember their innate strength and dignity.
This work is currently completely unfunded — yet its impact is profound. Every journal written in, every mindful breath taken, every moment of kindness offered to oneself ripples out into families, communities, and future generations.
How the Programme Works
Mindful Pathways runs in small group settings within the prison, with up to 8 - 10 women at a time (we currently have waitlists as I am struggling to keep up with the demand).
Each 6 week introductory series is followed by a 6-week advanced course for those who wish to go deeper.
Every session (45–60 minutes) blends mindfulness education, guided practice, journaling, and gentle movement, helping participants learn to recognise their emotions, cultivate calm, and build inner resources.
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Weekly themes include:
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Introduction to Mindfulness – what it is, what it isn’t, and how to practice safely
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Awareness of Body and Breath – anchoring in the present moment
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Thoughts and Emotions – recognising patterns without judgment
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Self-Compassion – meeting ourselves with kindness
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Resilience and Regulation – expanding our window of tolerance
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Integration and Connection – taking the practice into daily life
The advanced 6-week series explores:
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Self-Compassion
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Self-Forgiveness
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Forgiveness of Others
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Deepening Practice
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Community and Connection
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Living Mindfully
Donate to Mindful Pathways
This campaign supports the Mindful Pathways programme - offering mindfulness, meditation, and emotional healing to women in prison. Your donation helps provide essential materials and sustains the ongoing delivery of this deeply needed work.
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Where Your Donation Goes
Every contribution directly supports the women and the resources needed to sustain and grow the programme.
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Your donation helps provide:
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Journals and printing for weekly reflection
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Pens, affirmation cards, and journaling prompts
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Mala beads used for breath and meditation practice
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Materials for grounding and self-regulation
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Support the time, preparation, and facilitation required to deliver this work
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Even a small amount makes a tangible difference - helping ensure every woman who joins the programme receives the tools and care she deserves.
The Path Continues
One woman who recently completed the Mindful Pathways programme has since been released. She continues to attend community classes and maintain her practice - a beautiful reflection of how these teachings can ripple into life beyond the prison walls.
She is now beginning a mentorship with me, with the hope of one day becoming a teacher herself, sharing the same tools that supported her own healing.