The Mindfulness Initiative holds a special place in many hearts and minds and great care is needed in managing the opportunities and challenges it faces, especially in this turbulent time. We have been incredibly fortunate to have had Richard Edwards as our director for the last 18 months. He has brought a wealth of skills and ‘treasures’ to the MI charity and we will miss him greatly, whilst wishing him well as he moves into a new senior strategic role close to home in South Wales.

Richard has overseen an impressive list of achievements in his time at the MI, from a film capturing the experiences of politicians in their mindfulness practice, to a packed event in the Palace of Westminster on mindfulness for young people. His tenure has seen a crop of winners at the Innovations in Mindfulness Awards, with their work showcased on a new website alongside the revised Fieldbook for Mindfulness Innovators, and the launch of a highly successful workshop series ‘Sharing Your Treasure’. 

Meanwhile Climate Youth Resilience has built a powerful global network through a survey, map and report - now presented on a gorgeous website - and we have been inundated with applications to join the Ambassadors for Inner-Led Change programme. From meetings with the APPG on Mindfulness, via conferences, podcasts and opinion pieces, to a celebration of the inaugural UN World Meditation Day, Richard has brought his trademark gentle mindfulness practice, patient counsel and warm humour to all his work with the MI. 

Thanks to his expertise, the MI has a solid strategic plan, developed with a clear theory of change underpinning it. His successful fundraising means he leaves the organisation with a strong foundation and secure funding for the next five years. We are deeply grateful for his hard work.

Looking ahead, I’m very pleased that Eileen Clark has agreed to move into a well-deserved leadership role as our new Chief Executive. She will be building on her experience with us to take the organisation into its exciting next chapter, working with the MI’s policy leads. The MI would not be what it is today without these expert voices contributing their rich experience in the field, and we extend our gratitude to them.

Trish Bartley

on behalf of the Mindfulness Initiative Board of Trustees