A CANCER survivor has launched a compassion course in Taunton to teach techniques to support people’s mental wellbeing during challenging times.

Karen Atkinson, CEO of MindfulnessUK and cancer survivor herself, has recently gained official recognition for her Compassionate Mindful Resilience (CMR) Course by the British and European Associations of Mindfulness Based Approaches.

Karen said: “When developing the CMR, we aspired to bring into the world an evidence-based training programme that can help more individuals, companies, families, and communities build resilience, step back, step out and be more aware of what it means to be human. To connect, be kind and thrive.

“As a cancer survivor myself, I know the power that these practices can have on the mental wellbeing of those going through the perils that come with illness and I am grateful for the opportunity to support those in my local community by giving them the tools to build their own resilience and compassion.”

MindfulnessUK is now inviting those who are/have experienced cancer for themselves or are/have cared for loved ones with cancer to a four-week mindfulness and compassion course in Taunton.

Attendees will learn the newly recognised but long established Compassionate Mindful Resilience programme, which includes short mindfulness and compassion practices and strategies.

This recognition acknowledges that the CMR meets the criteria to be a Mindfulness-based programme and adheres to standards of quality and integrity.

It is the first ever shorter mindfulness course to be internationally recognised by the British and European Mindfulness Based Approaches (BAMBA & EAMBA).

To mark this achievement, MindfulnessUK is inviting those experiencing cancer to join a four-week workshop where they’ll take part in the CMR programme which will teach evidence-based practices, skills, and techniques to develop emotional resilience and enhance wellbeing.

This in-person course will be led by Karen Atkinson who’s journey into mindfulness began in her 20s after experiencing insidious trauma.

She found sanctuary in her body through compassionate and mindful yoga practice.

This initial exploration led her to seated meditations and the development of a deep philosophical and spiritual practice over the decades.

A pivotal moment in her life came with her first experience of cancer in 2013, which deepened her practice of self-compassion.

This transformative period changed ingrained patterns, introducing self-soothing phrases and mindful acts of kindness.

For more information and to book onto the course, contact info@mindfulnessUK.com