SLES Mind Body and Spirit Festival

For the young trainees of Afford’s Mt Druitt and Penrith SLES (School Leaver Employment Support) program, 2020 has been a year of change and learning.

From online training modules through to disruptions to practical learning for industry visits, this year has required trainees to adapt to new environments and routines.

SLES trainers create supportive and encouraging environments, where trainees can always feel safe to share their feelings and have support from their trainers and peers for a confidence boost.

Being ‘present’ in work and life is important. To focus on this idea, SLES trainees participated in a SLES Mind, Body and Spirit Festival at their site.

The festival was all about taking time to focus on self-care. Stalls were set up for trainees to visit and workshops were scheduled. Workshops centred around relaxation and the chance to reflect as trainees begin the home stretch towards the end of the year.

“Trainees enjoyed visiting the different spirituality stations. At the sensory exhibit they enjoyed putting together a Zen garden or letting worries fly away with some bubble blowing,” said Tayla, SLES Trainer.

“At the creativity station, trainees created some absolutely beautiful dream catchers to help with peaceful sleep. At the spirituality station, trainees could place a wish upon the wishing tree or have their fortune told by Madam Tayla.”

One of the workshops focussed on creating healthy bodies. The group enjoyed a Tai-chi workshop and guided gratitude meditation.

The SLES Mind, Body and Spirit Festival was a wonderful opportunity for trainees to learn about the importance of taking care of one’s self and finding a balance in life.

While 2020 has been a stressful year, SLES trainees have shown great resilience and inner strength and the day to revitalise and re-energise was welcomed and enjoyed by all.

Find out more about how Afford’s SLES program can support you to find a balance in work and life to achieve your goals.