LUNCHTIME meditation classes will be taking place next week thanks to the Samaritans.

Oxford Samaritans has announced it will be running two free courses on May 19 and 21.

The first session will see a Samaritan host a 20-minute event, ‘listening skills after lockdown’, with attendees picking up techniques for good listening.

Then, on May 21 – to coincide with World Meditation Day – a second event will explore an introduction to meditation.

See also: Pupil litter pick to fund Back to the Future leaving do

Qualified expert, and Oxford Samaritans supporter, Aisling O’Malley will guide attendees through 20 minutes of midday meditation.

Oxford Samaritans director Matt Williams said: “Listening is something that everyone can learn to do better.

“We can all also improve our personal wellbeing by taking time for ourselves to be calm.

“By listening, being there for others and by taking time to look after our own wellbeing, we will be better able to support one another and to look after ourselves as the world begins to emerge from such unusual times.

Read more: Fresh fruit giveaways to help student mental health

“In January, as a part of Samaritans’ Brew Monday event, Oxford Samaritans hosted a series of short ‘tea and training’ events.

“These proved incredibly popular with hundreds of people joining.

“To mark Mental Health Awareness Week, we have launched tickets to two new short events that will take place during Learning at Work Week.

“Both offer the chance for a little personal development during the lunch break.”

Both events are scheduled to start at 1pm.

Visit samaritans.org/oxford to sign up for the events.