Emily Brierley becomes first Youth Ambassador for Mindfulness in Schools Project

A1 student Emily Brierley, who was a victim of the 2017 Manchester Arena attack, has been announced as the first Youth Ambassador supporting the National Mindfulness in Schools Charity having found vital support in her meditation practice following the tragic event.

Emily first discovered mindfulness when she was 13 and suffering from anxiety and panic attacks. She now practices formal mindfulness meditation about three times a day for up to 30 minutes each time, which she says not only helps energise her but also allows her to be positive and grateful during the day.

‘I can feel a big difference in myself if I haven’t meditated. Sometimes, just taking a few deep breaths can make a big difference and allow you to bring yourself back to your body so you can recognise how you feel and what you might need in that moment.’

Since the bombing Emily has become a trained meditation teacher and has helped lead a mindfulness workshop for victims of terror at the Warrington Peace Foundation, which included those involved in the Tunisia beach attack, the London Bridge attack, the Warrington bombing as well as war veterans. She is now passionate about bringing mindfulness to more young people and using mindfulness to support people through difficulty and trauma.

Mindfulness in Schools Project (MiSP) is a national charity which aims to improve the lives of children by providing them with high-quality, research-based classroom lessons. They train teachers to teach secular mindfulness in schools, providing a life skill that children can come back to time after time to help them manage difficulty and flourish. Nearly 5,000 teachers have already attended their life-changing training, and their curricula is used worldwide, having been translated into 12 languages.

Simon Lett, principal at Greenhead College commented:

“I saw Emily speak at a Mindfulness conference in London recently. She spoke brilliantly about how Mindfulness has helped her in her academic studies and overall wellbeing. I immediately thought this is a message that other students and staff should hear and I am really excited to be working with Emily and the Mindfulness in Schools Project to spread awareness of this vitally important work.”

For more information about Emily and the Mindfulness in Schools Project please visit: https://mindfulnessinschools.org/misp-youth-ambassadors-emily-brierley/