A supportive, evidence‑informed mindfulness and compassion course for people affected by cancer.
A gentler way to support yourself
Living with cancer, or its ongoing impact, can bring uncertainty, fear, fatigue, and a constant need to adapt. For many, even when treatment ends, the emotional and physical effects continue. The Compassionate Mindful Resilience Programme with Cancer Support is designed to meet you exactly where you are. This course is rooted in the internationally recognised Compassionate Mindful Resilience (CMR) programme, carefully adapted to support people who have been affected by cancer. It offers practical, accessible ways to build steadiness, self‑kindness and resilience in daily life, even when capacity is low.
Who this course is for
This course may be right for you if:
- You have experienced cancer at any point in your life
- You are living with ongoing physical or emotional effects of cancer or its treatment
- You notice anxiety around appointments, scans, results, or uncertainty
- You want tools that are gentle, flexible, and realistic for real life
- You are looking for support from others who truly understand
No previous experience of mindfulness is needed.
What makes this course different
The Compassionate Mindful Resilience Programme with Cancer Support is taught directly by Karen Atkinson, creator of the course and CEO of MindfulnessUK. Karen brings both her professional background and her own lived experience of facing cancer into the course, creating a uniquely empathetic, cancer-aware learning environment. The course is shaped with a deep understanding of the emotional, physical and psychological realities that often accompany a cancer diagnosis, for those living with cancer. While this course is rooted in the same evidence-based Compassionate Mindful Resilience (CMR) programme, it has been thoughtfully adapted in tone, language and focus to meet the specific challenges, uncertainties and hopes that can arise when cancer becomes part of life.
What you’ll learn and experience
This programme is designed to support you during treatment, when attending appointments, scans and investigations, and in the periods of waiting and uncertainty that often follow. Across the course, you’ll be gently guided to:
- Work compassionately with fear, anxiety and difficult emotions
- Build resilience through mindfulness and self‑compassion practices
- Respond to your experience with greater kindness and self‑care
- Develop skills to support emotional regulation during appointments and scans
- Strengthen your connection with your body through gentle awareness
- Learn practices that can be used when energy, capacity or concentration are low
Practices are short, simple and effective, making them accessible in everyday life. Being part of a group with others who have walked a similar path means there is no need to explain your feelings, they are often already understood. Many participants describe the shared support and connection that arises as deeply reassuring and sustaining.
How the course works
This course is delivered in a gentle, supportive online format, designed to be accessible when energy or capacity may vary.
-
4-week programme
-
2-hour live session each week
-
Delivered online via Zoom
-
Small, supportive group
Each session includes short mindfulness and compassion practices, gentle reflection, and optional discussion. Practices are short (up to 10 minutes) and designed to fit into everyday life.
The learning space is trauma-informed and cancer-aware, with no pressure to speak or share. You’re always invited to work within your own limits, with your camera on or off.
The CMR is a pioneering short course and was the first short programme to be approved by the International Panel for the Acknowledgement of Mindfulness‑Based Programs (IPA). It is also recognised by the European and British Associations of Mindfulness‑Based Approaches. The course is accredited by the CPD Standards Office, and participants receive a certificate for 8 CPD points.
What previous participants say
“This course has been life-changing in that it’s changed me as a person. The fact that the practices are short is really helpful and I can do them anytime, anywhere.”
— Lorna, course participant
“Thank you so much for making such a difference to my life and ability to journey through having cancer with more peace and resilience.”
— Louise, Course participant
Karen introduces the Compassionate Mindful Resilience course for cancer support, and explains who it’s for, how it works, and the intention behind it.
Fees and support
We understand that financial pressures can be especially challenging during or after a cancer diagnosis. If the full course fee feels like a barrier, please don’t hesitate to get in touch, we’re open to discussing a reduced rate.
Ready to join?
If you’re looking for a compassionate, realistic way to support yourself alongside cancer, you’re very welcome here.
Book your place on the course here
If you have questions, please contact us at info@mindfulnessuk.com