The Science of Mindfulness

The Art of Living

With over 30 years of experience, Mindfulness UK was founded in 2010 and has since trained hundreds of individuals and collaborated with leading organisations. The programs are grounded in scientific research and delivered by expert trainers.

MindfulnessUK provides mindfulness and compassion training courses so that you can learn and develop your mindfulness career wherever you are in the world.

How It All Began - Karen Atkinson's Story

MindfulnessUK was created by our CEO Karen Atkinson, a respected and regulated mindfulness and compassion and yoga teacher, with over 30 years experience, and author of Compassionate Mindful Inquiry in Therapeutic Practice. Throughout Karen’s career mindfulness and compassion have underpinned her work.

Having gone to Australia with her family, Karen spent her early years there before returning to the UK aged 11, and later studied for her Nursing Studies Degree and become a Registered General Nurse. During her nursing career she witnessed first-hand the impact an holistic approach has on well-being and the happiness it can bring to patients.

Karen says:  “The best thing about being the CEO at MindfulnessUK, is that every day I work with a great team who share my vision of building a compassionate mindfulness community of practitioners and qualified teachers, sharing the transformational potential of mindfulness and compassion with others.

MindfulnessUK was founded to teach mindfulness and compassion and to train others to teach it, because I wanted to share that joy with others. I cannot imagine my life without mindfulness and compassion practices. It empowers me to make choices on a moment by moment basis. It helps me to keep everything in perspective and to be more compassionate to myself and others, always. I consciously immersed myself into compassion practices during my recovery from cancer, soon after setting up MindfulnessUK.

My favourite practice differs but my “go-to” practices are body-based. My body tells me so much about how I am right now and I trust that by paying attention and tuning into how my body is feeling and moving, a sense of ease permeates my entire being. I feel aligned with my body, thoughts and emotions and connect with my core values more fully through practice.”

Always practical and action-focused Karen has now been teaching mindful movement and meditation for many years, specifically teaching mindfulness and compassion for over 20 years, however it is fair to say that she takes the greatest pride in having used her unique position to develop and deliver ground-breaking courses and qualifications, including the Level 4 Certificate “Integrating Mindfulness and Compassion in Professional Practice” which enables others to offer these transformative practices and skills to either individuals or groups. She also created The JOY Programme train-the-trainer programme for organisations and the Compassionate Mindful Resilience course. Thus enabling effective mindfulness practices to be more widely enjoyed and supports the MindfulnessUK goal to bring about enhanced joy and ease to others.

Mission Statement
We are here to educate and empower more people to teach the benefits of mindfulness and compassion and help people to thrive in their personal and professional lives.

There has never been a better time to start your mindfulness and compassion training with us.  Watch the video, meet Karen Atkinson, CEO and co-Founder, and find out more about our training pathways.

Have You Read the Book?

Compassionate Mindful Inquiry in Therapeutic Practice.

A Practical Guide for Mindfulness Teachers, Yoga Teachers
and Allied Health Professionals

About the Book

Karen Atkinson’s book is an important contribution to the evolving fields of mindfulness and compassion, both of which are essential methods to help alleviate suffering and enable people to live more rewarding lives.

This book is a must read for mindfulness teachers, meditators and professionals wanting to explore compassionate mindful inquiry, learn valuable tools and continuously evolve their skill-set. With a whole chapter dedicated to the neuroscience behind our tricky brains, Dr Trudi Edginton, demonstrates how compassionate mindfulness can profoundly change how our brains and nervous systems function.

She explores the neuroscience of mindfulness and compassion, the measurable effects and introduces The Compassionate Mindful Inquiry Neuroscience Model.

Meet Our Team

Karen Atkinson

CEO
More About Karen

Karen, co-founder and CEO of MindfulnessUK, leads its growth and development while pioneering innovative initiatives. Author of Compassionate Mindful Inquiry in Therapeutic Practice (2020), she previously chaired the British Association of Mindfulness-Based Approaches (BAMBA) and remains an active member. MindfulnessUK is a BAMBA and EAMBA-affiliated training organisation, regulated by the CPD Standards Office. Karen, an Honorary Lecturer at Queens University, Belfast, began her mindfulness journey after trauma in her 20s. A yoga teacher with the British Wheel of Yoga, she deepened her self-compassion practice during cancer recovery in 2013. Karen enjoys gardening, sea swimming, and cycling her electric bike, Bluebell.

Angie Ward

CXO
More About Angie

As Chief Experience Officer, I ensure our customers’ voices shape all we offer at MindfulnessUK. I manage and deliver the Integrating Mindfulness and Compassion (IMC) Level 4 Qualification, retreats, bespoke training, and the BAMBA-registered JOY Programme and 8-week MBSR Teacher Training. With over 30 years in education, health, social care, and performance, I completed the IMC Qualification in 2014, reigniting my passion for teaching. Since then, I’ve trained thousands and become a supervisor. A parent carer and proudly neurodiverse, I teach inclusively, drawing from lived experience. I enjoy the sea, performing, and sharing mindfulness’s transformative power.

Neil Atkinson

Finance Manager
More About Neil

With a strong commercial background and a sharp eye for detail, Neil ensures the smooth and efficient operation of our financial department. His expertise in managing complex financial processes and commitment to precision allow him to oversee budgets, forecasts, and reporting with exceptional accuracy. Neil’s strategic approach helps align our financial goals with broader organisational objectives, supporting sustainable growth and innovation. Known for his meticulousness and ability to navigate challenges with ease, he plays a pivotal role in maintaining the stability and efficiency of our operations. His dedication keeps our financial systems running like clockwork, ensuring long-term success.

Chika Okorafor

Head of Learning & Development
More About Chika

Chika serves as a Trustee for Youth and Education at the British Association of Mindfulness-Based Approaches (BAMBA), driven by her passion for lifelong learning and mindful leadership. Inspired by the transformative power of mindfulness, her journey began with an MBSR course through MindfulnessUK (MUK) as an international participant. She later completed the IMC, MBSR, and CMR teacher training pathways. Deeply fascinated by lived experiences and life transitions, Chika is a fierce advocate for making mindfulness accessible to all. She finds joy in connecting with nature worldwide and actively raises awareness of mindfulness’s benefits with compassion and dedication.

Dr Trudie Edginton

Consultant and Researcher
More About Dr Trudie

Dr. Trudi Edginton is a Clinical Psychologist, EMDR and CBT therapist, and Mindfulness practitioner with expertise in Cognitive Neuroscience, Neuropsychological assessment, and compassion-focused interventions. Beginning her career as a nurse, she later earned a Psychology degree and PhD from the University of Sussex, focusing on cognitive decline in ageing and Alzheimer’s disease. Clinically, Trudi supports individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury, Neurodiversity, and Trauma.

An Associate Professor and Co-Director of the Centre of Excellence in Mindfulness Research at City, University of London, Trudi is also Co-Founder and Head of Psychology at Mindstruck. Mindstruck advances innovation in primordial prevention to combat chronic disease.

Amanda Sutton

Teacher Training Coordinator
More About Amanda

As Teacher Training Coordinator, I manage course enquiries, administration, and processes from promotion through to certification, while also supporting community admin, supervision bookings, shadowing, co-teaching, and retreats. With a strong administrative background, I’ve held roles such as project manager for high-end designers, training coordinator at a university business school, and PA to CEO partners at a global shipping firm.

My mindfulness journey began during lockdown, incorporating short practices into home-schooling routines, which my children embraced alongside yoga. Outside work, I enjoy family time, coastal trips, paddleboarding, and kayaking. Originally from the Midlands, I cherish visits to my hometown and hosting family in the South West.

Joel Atkinson

Head of Growth
More About Joel

At MindfulnessUK, my role is to empower our team to reach and help as many people as possible. As a 2x startup founder and Business Growth Mentor at UOB, I bring entrepreneurial insight to our mission. But what defines me most is my love for fitness. Whether I’m listening to business podcasts, diving into Excel spreadsheets, or enjoying chicken and rice, I’m in my element. Balancing business growth and personal wellness keeps me driven, focused, and ready to make an impact.

Dave Boulden

Website Specialist
More About Dave

I manage the technical aspects of the website, collaborating with the team to develop new features and ensure everything runs smoothly. The teamwork involved is one of my favorite parts of the job. Outside of work, I’m passionate about music, performing live on keyboards with my band at venues ranging from cozy pubs to large festivals nearly every weekend. I also love traveling with my partner, exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations. Discovering hidden gems and experiencing unique places adds an extra sense of adventure to our trips, and we seize every opportunity to get away and create new memories together.

Sam Winch

Content Specialist
More About Sam

I help clients transform their knowledge into engaging online courses and thoroughly enjoy seeing MindfulnessUK’s content come to life. Balancing a busy business and life with four kids keeps me on my toes, but I find moments of mindfulness in our thriving garden. Whether it’s feeling the sun on my back, listening to birdsong and buzzing insects, or discovering vegetables ready for harvest, these grounding experiences remind me of the beauty in taking time to notice the simple things. It’s a wonderful way to recharge and connect with the present amidst a hectic schedule.

Bindi Anstee

Finance Support
More About Bindi

I’ve supported MindfulnessUK for several years by maintaining their financial accounts. It’s incredibly rewarding to contribute my bookkeeping and accounting expertise to such a knowledgeable and compassionate team. Their dedication to mindfulness and compassion is truly inspiring. Outside work, my family keeps me on my toes, but I cherish moments of peace and simplicity. Whether I’m delving into the wonders of gardening, losing myself in a good book, or crafting my latest knitting project, these activities bring me joy and balance. It’s in these quiet moments that I find the greatest sense of fulfillment.

Ellie Holt

Coms Manager
More About Ellie

As a creative communications professional, I’m passionate about spreading awareness of the transformative work we do at MindfulnessUK. I manage our communications, write our newsletter, and create engaging content that highlights the impact of mindfulness and compassion training. My goal is to make our work accessible to as many people as possible, sharing stories that inspire and showcase the power of mindfulness.

Karen Atkinson

CEO
More About Karen

Karen, co-founder and CEO of MindfulnessUK, leads its growth and development while pioneering innovative initiatives. Author of Compassionate Mindful Inquiry in Therapeutic Practice (2020), she previously chaired the British Association of Mindfulness-Based Approaches (BAMBA) and remains an active member. MindfulnessUK is a BAMBA and EAMBA-affiliated training organisation, regulated by the CPD Standards Office. Karen, an Honorary Lecturer at Queens University, Belfast, began her mindfulness journey after trauma in her 20s. A yoga teacher with the British Wheel of Yoga, she deepened her self-compassion practice during cancer recovery in 2013. Karen enjoys gardening, sea swimming, and cycling her electric bike, Bluebell.

Angie Ward

CXO
More About Angie

As Chief Experience Officer, I ensure our customers’ voices shape all we offer at MindfulnessUK. I manage and deliver the Integrating Mindfulness and Compassion (IMC) Level 4 Qualification, retreats, bespoke training, and the BAMBA-registered JOY Programme and 8-week MBSR Teacher Training. With over 30 years in education, health, social care, and performance, I completed the IMC Qualification in 2014, reigniting my passion for teaching. Since then, I’ve trained thousands and become a supervisor. A parent carer and proudly neurodiverse, I teach inclusively, drawing from lived experience. I enjoy the sea, performing, and sharing mindfulness’s transformative power.

Neil Atkinson

Finance Manager
More About Neil

With a strong commercial background and a sharp eye for detail, Neil ensures the smooth and efficient operation of our financial department. His expertise in managing complex financial processes and commitment to precision allow him to oversee budgets, forecasts, and reporting with exceptional accuracy. Neil’s strategic approach helps align our financial goals with broader organisational objectives, supporting sustainable growth and innovation. Known for his meticulousness and ability to navigate challenges with ease, he plays a pivotal role in maintaining the stability and efficiency of our operations. His dedication keeps our financial systems running like clockwork, ensuring long-term success.

Chika Okorafor

Head of Learning & Development
More About Chika

Chika serves as a Trustee for Youth and Education at the British Association of Mindfulness-Based Approaches (BAMBA), driven by her passion for lifelong learning and mindful leadership. Inspired by the transformative power of mindfulness, her journey began with an MBSR course through MindfulnessUK (MUK) as an international participant. She later completed the IMC, MBSR, and CMR teacher training pathways. Deeply fascinated by lived experiences and life transitions, Chika is a fierce advocate for making mindfulness accessible to all. She finds joy in connecting with nature worldwide and actively raises awareness of mindfulness’s benefits with compassion and dedication.

Dr Trudie Edginton

Consultant and Researcher
More About Dr Trudie

Dr. Trudi Edginton is a Clinical Psychologist, EMDR and CBT therapist, and Mindfulness practitioner with expertise in Cognitive Neuroscience, Neuropsychological assessment, and compassion-focused interventions. Beginning her career as a nurse, she later earned a Psychology degree and PhD from the University of Sussex, focusing on cognitive decline in ageing and Alzheimer’s disease. Clinically, Trudi supports individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury, Neurodiversity, and Trauma.

An Associate Professor and Co-Director of the Centre of Excellence in Mindfulness Research at City, University of London, Trudi is also Co-Founder and Head of Psychology at Mindstruck. Mindstruck advances innovation in primordial prevention to combat chronic disease.

Amanda Sutton

Teacher Training Coordinator
More About Amanda

As Teacher Training Coordinator, I manage course enquiries, administration, and processes from promotion through to certification, while also supporting community admin, supervision bookings, shadowing, co-teaching, and retreats. With a strong administrative background, I’ve held roles such as project manager for high-end designers, training coordinator at a university business school, and PA to CEO partners at a global shipping firm.

My mindfulness journey began during lockdown, incorporating short practices into home-schooling routines, which my children embraced alongside yoga. Outside work, I enjoy family time, coastal trips, paddleboarding, and kayaking. Originally from the Midlands, I cherish visits to my hometown and hosting family in the South West.

Joel Atkinson

Head of Growth
More About Joel

At MindfulnessUK, my role is to empower our team to reach and help as many people as possible. As a 2x startup founder and Business Growth Mentor at UOB, I bring entrepreneurial insight to our mission. But what defines me most is my love for fitness. Whether I’m listening to business podcasts, diving into Excel spreadsheets, or enjoying chicken and rice, I’m in my element. Balancing business growth and personal wellness keeps me driven, focused, and ready to make an impact.

Dave Boulden

Website Specialist
More About Dave

I manage the technical aspects of the website, collaborating with the team to develop new features and ensure everything runs smoothly. The teamwork involved is one of my favorite parts of the job. Outside of work, I’m passionate about music, performing live on keyboards with my band at venues ranging from cozy pubs to large festivals nearly every weekend. I also love traveling with my partner, exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations. Discovering hidden gems and experiencing unique places adds an extra sense of adventure to our trips, and we seize every opportunity to get away and create new memories together.

Sam Winch

Content Specialist
More About Sam

I help clients transform their knowledge into engaging online courses and thoroughly enjoy seeing MindfulnessUK’s content come to life. Balancing a busy business and life with four kids keeps me on my toes, but I find moments of mindfulness in our thriving garden. Whether it’s feeling the sun on my back, listening to birdsong and buzzing insects, or discovering vegetables ready for harvest, these grounding experiences remind me of the beauty in taking time to notice the simple things. It’s a wonderful way to recharge and connect with the present amidst a hectic schedule.

Bindi Anstee

Finance Support
More About Bindi

I’ve supported MindfulnessUK for several years by maintaining their financial accounts. It’s incredibly rewarding to contribute my bookkeeping and accounting expertise to such a knowledgeable and compassionate team. Their dedication to mindfulness and compassion is truly inspiring. Outside work, my family keeps me on my toes, but I cherish moments of peace and simplicity. Whether I’m delving into the wonders of gardening, losing myself in a good book, or crafting my latest knitting project, these activities bring me joy and balance. It’s in these quiet moments that I find the greatest sense of fulfillment.

Ellie Holt

Coms Manager
More About Ellie

As a creative communications professional, I’m passionate about spreading awareness of the transformative work we do at MindfulnessUK. I manage our communications, write our newsletter, and create engaging content that highlights the impact of mindfulness and compassion training. My goal is to make our work accessible to as many people as possible, sharing stories that inspire and showcase the power of mindfulness.

Our Core Values

  • Kindness

    Opening their expertise to all, the experienced and friendly team at MindfulnessUK will work with you and support you throughout your mindfulness and compassion experiences and aspirations as a mindfulness teacher.

  • Integrity

    Everyone in the team has a mindfulness practice and utterly understand the benefits of mindfulness, and provide a trustworthy space to develop and learn in.

  • Inclusive

    Making mindfulness and compassion available to all is at the heart of how the MindfulnessUK team teach and nurture students, providing accessible teaching methods and a wide range of options to learn.

  • Professional

    With a deep-rooted belief in integrated mindfulness and compassion, the team take great pride in delivering comprehensive and robust teacher training adhering to good practice guidelines and accredited by external organisations.

Our Partners

MindfulnessUK is a BAMBA Member Organisation, with Karen the previous BAMBA Chair and a member of the British Wheel of Yoga.

The team at MindfulnessUK have published many articles on mindfulness and compassion and often present at professional conferences and webinars. MindfulnessUK prides itself on fulfilling Good Practice Guidelines.

We don’t work in isolation, all our work is evidence-based and neuroscientifically proven. We take great pride in working closely with the City University London and in particular with researcher Dr Trudi Edginton, also with Helsinki, Oulu and Belfast universities. We also work with team leaders from Somerset County Council, foster carers and others as projects develop.

Charities

We support a number of charities and take great pride in raising money for the Maternity Unit in Tibet, The Tibet Relief Fund, sponsoring a polar bear through WWF, donating to Unicef and giving a monthly offering to the Venerable Amy Miller. We also offer use of our centre and therapy rooms to the Beacon Centre, Oncology Unit at Musgrove Park Hospital.