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Purpose This paper aims to evaluate the equanimity based compassionate action (EBCA) course, a six-week intervention designed to support the development of equanimity as a foundation for compassionate action. The study explores how equanimity training may contribute to mental health and social inclusion by supporting emotional regulation, relational awareness, and prosocial engagement. Design/methodology/approach A mixed methods evaluation was conducted with 30 participants from Brazil, Italy, the USA, and the UK. The EBCA course was delivered to over 100 participants between 2022 and 2025 across these countries. Participants self-enrolled and paid a fee to attend. Participation in the post course evaluation was voluntary and not linked to course completion or any financial incentive. Quantitative data were collected through post course satisfaction ratings and qualitative data through open ended reflective questions administered via Google Forms. Descriptive statistics and reflexive thematic analysis were used to examine participant experiences and perceived impacts. Findings Quantitative findings indicated high levels of satisfaction across learning relevance and delivery. Qualitative analysis identified themes relating to enhanced emotional regulation, increased tolerance of neutral and challenging experiences, deeper integration of mindfulness, and greater capacity for compassionate engagement in personal, professional, and social contexts. Participants described equanimity as supporting both personal well-being and more inclusive relational responses particularly under stress or interpersonal challenge. Research limitations/implications Findings suggest that equanimity-based training may complement existing mindfulness approaches by explicitly supporting relational functioning and compassionate action. The course shows potential relevance for settings associated with emotional labour, exclusion and inequality, including education healthcare leadership and community contexts. Practical implications Findings indicate that equanimity based training can be practically integrated into mental health well-being and inclusion initiatives to support emotional regulation compassionate engagement and relational stability. The EBCA course may complement existing mindfulness programs by explicitly addressing barriers to compassionate action and interpersonal reactivity. Practitioners, educators and organisations may apply equanimity training within education, healthcare, leadership and community settings where emotional labour and inclusion challenges are prominent. Structured equanimity practice may support psychologically safer environments enhance ethical decision making and strengthen participation and belonging. These findings suggest value for training programs seeking sustainable well-being and inclusive relational cultures. Social implications These implications are particularly relevant for education, healthcare, leadership and community settings, where stress, inequality, emotional labour and exclusion are common, and where well-being, belonging and ethical participation are central global social priorities. Originality/value This study contributes to emerging literature on equanimity as a distinct construct with relevance to mental health and social inclusion. By evaluating an applied equanimity-based intervention the paper extends understanding of how contemplative practices may support inclusive and emotionally sustainable social participation.