Cindie Dunkling, a Designated Nurse for Safeguarding Children for the Suffolk CCGs, was supported by a Tier 3 bursary from the Research Office.

Cindie carried out a small scale evaluation of a pilot program of mindfulness practice training sessions delivered to clinical staff involved in safeguarding children.

She also worked with her academic mentor at UEA to get formal guidance in the conduct of the evaluation and the analysis of the data.

The evaluation showed that the course decreased perceived stress levels for the participant, reduced emotional exhaustion and a reduced cynicism with work for participants, suggesting likely positive impact in their ability to cope with the emotional stress of their work. Full details are in the briefing.

The work has also contributed, in part, to research development in the area of NHS staff stress and resilience.