A Mother’s Quest for Positive Change: Esther Ghey’s Campaign for Mindfulness in Schools in Memory of Her Daughter Brianna

The tragic death of a teenager named Brianna Ghey in a park near her home in England shook the community and left her family in deep sorrow. The senseless act of violence took the life of a young girl, leaving her loved ones to grapple with the unimaginable loss. However, in the midst of grief, Brianna’s mother, Esther Ghey, found the strength to channel her pain into something positive. She has since embarked on a mission to teach mindfulness in all schools in England, hoping to create a more peaceful and understanding society for future generations.

The political landscape of the United Kingdom was abuzz with controversy when Prime Minister Rishi Sunak made a comment during a heated exchange with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer in the House of Commons. The comment, which was perceived as a jibe about Starmer’s definition of a woman, sparked a political row and drew criticism from various quarters, including Brianna’s father. However, Esther Ghey chose to focus on her campaign rather than the controversy surrounding the prime minister’s words.

Through her campaign, Peace & Mind UK, Esther aims to improve lives by empowering people and giving them the tools they need to build mental resilience, empathy, and self-compassion through mindfulness. Mindfulness is a calming technique that involves examining the present moment without judgement. It has been shown to be effective in reducing stress, anxiety, and depression, making it an essential skill for individuals, especially young people, to develop.

Brianna’s murderers, Scarlett Jenkinson and Eddie Ratcliffe, were both 16 years old at the time of the crime. They were given life sentences for their heinous act. The tragic incident highlighted the importance of mental health education and support in schools, a cause that Esther has taken up with fervor.

Esther’s campaign gained momentum when she visited Parliament alongside Emma Mills, the head teacher of Birchwood Community High School, where Brianna was a student. They attended a debate on whether to introduce mindfulness to the national curriculum. Esther has already raised thousands of pounds to deliver mindfulness training in schools in her local area, around Warrington.

Emma Mills, who was not present during the prime minister’s comments, expressed her support for Esther’s campaign. She believes that mindfulness would be a “massive step forward” for education, as it would help students develop essential skills for mental wellbeing.

The Department for Education has stated that there are no plans to introduce mindfulness in all schools but has acknowledged the importance of mental health and wellbeing in the current relationships, health, and sex education (RSHE) curriculum. All schools have been offered grants to train a senior mental-health lead by 2025.

Esther’s campaign has also gained the attention of Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who met her in Parliament on the day of the debate. She shared her experiences and the benefits of mindfulness with him, expressing her concern about the lack of mental health education in schools. Sir Keir Starmer expressed his support for the cause and acknowledged the importance of mental health education in schools.

The tragic death of Brianna Ghey has left a lasting impact on her family and the community. Her mother’s determination to create a positive change and a lasting legacy for her daughter is a testament to the human spirit’s resilience and capacity to transform pain into purpose. Through her campaign, Esther hopes to create a more understanding, peaceful, and stronger society for everyone, where individuals are equipped with the tools they need to navigate the challenges of life and build mental resilience.

In conclusion, Esther Ghey’s campaign for mindfulness in schools is a powerful reminder of the importance of mental health education and support in creating a more peaceful and understanding society. The tragic death of her daughter, Brianna, has inspired her to channel her pain into something positive and create a lasting legacy for her daughter. Through her campaign, Esther hopes to empower individuals with the tools they need to build mental resilience, empathy, and self-compassion, ultimately creating a stronger and more compassionate society for all.