Taking Time to Recharge: Wellbeing Workshops for Community Workers in Dublin 8

Wellbeing Workshops for Community Workers in Dublin 8

In December, Smart D8 was delighted to partner with Fatima Groups United to host two wellbeing workshops for community workers in Dublin 8 at the F2 Centre in Rialto. Across the two sessions, 30 community workers from a wide range of local organisations came together to take a well deserved pause from their busy schedules.

Community workers are often supporting others through complex and challenging situations, and the emotional demands of the role can be significant. These workshops were created in direct response to feedback from a recent social prescribing event, where many workers spoke openly about the ongoing pressures they face and the lack of time to prioritise their own wellbeing.

The first session, Laughter Yoga, took place on Tuesday December 9th. While laughter yoga may sound unusual at first, the session quickly filled the room with energy, connection, and (unsurprisingly) plenty of laughter. Through simple, playful exercises combined with gentle breathing, participants were encouraged to let go of stress, connect with one another and enjoy a moment of lightness in the middle of the working day.

The following week, on Tuesday December 16th, participants were invited to slow things down with a Sound Bath session. This hour offered a calm and restorative space, where soothing sound vibrations helped quiet the mind and release tension in the body. For many, it was a rare opportunity to fully switch off, even briefly, during a busy week.

What stood out across both workshops was the sense of shared understanding in the room. These sessions weren’t just about relaxation techniques, they were about acknowledging the importance of caring for those who care for others.