Helen McDonnell, a personal and professional coach and founding board member of Aware NI, is marking six years of offering free online drop-in mindfulness sessions to support people’s mental health and wellbeing.

Helen first introduced the sessions during the COVID-19 pandemic, recognising the need for accessible support at a time of significant uncertainty and stress. What began as a direct response to the crisis has since evolved into a consistent and valued resource for individuals seeking practical ways to maintain their wellbeing.

Reflecting on the milestone, Helen said:
“What started as a direct response to a crisis has developed into a regular platform where people can maintain their good mental health, wellbeing, and effectiveness.”

With more than 25 years of coaching experience and over three decades working in mental health and personal development, Helen continues to support individuals and organisations through her business, IndigoLife Coaching. She is a fully accredited personal and professional coach and mindfulness practitioner with a background in psychology and mental health, and remains actively involved as a founding and current board member of Aware NI, Northern Ireland’s leading depression charity.

Through IndigoLife Coaching, Helen delivers a range of workplace wellbeing programmes designed to help people build confidence, resilience and emotional awareness. Her flagship programme, “Catch Yerself on!”, provides practical tools tailored to the specific mental health needs of workplaces, empowering employees to take responsibility for their wellbeing and maintain good mental health.

Helen also works one-to-one with business owners and senior managers through executive coaching, offering a confidential space to reflect, gain clarity and strengthen leadership effectiveness.

Six years on, her free mindfulness sessions continue to provide a simple but meaningful way for people to pause, reset and prioritise their mental wellbeing — demonstrating the lasting impact of community-focused support that began during one of the most challenging periods in recent memory.

Find out more about Helen’s work here: https://indigolifecoaching.com/