This is a testimonial for the Mindfulness sessions I have attended that Karen Cargill has run. Initially I went on the session with Work Force Development as an employee for Bury Council. I was struggling with stress at the time with work and found the experience totally enlightening, engaging and useful. The session equipped me with strategies to use within the workplace in order to focus on my well-being such as breathing exercises, mindful apps and meditative techniques. I was totally relaxed and then re energised by the end of the session and would definitely recommend it to anyone who is struggling with their stress levels. I was so impressed that I invited Karen to do a session for me as the Vice Chair for Bury LGBT+ Forum which was previously a constituted group whose members are all over 50 years old. Many of the women commented how it would help them with their menopausal symptoms. Some of the men commented on how relaxed they felt during the meditation exercises. Karen is very inclusive and has a warm heart with all groups. I wish her all the luck as she goes forward into a new career which is less focused on targets as well as time and financial restraints.

- Nikki Naylor; Curriculum Quality Leader, Assistant Chair Bury LGBT+ Forum/Co Chair Disability  

The mindfulness meditation that Karen provided me during the pandemic was a wonderful gift. It was such a great way to take a little time out to transition at the end of the day from work to home life. Thank you Karen. 

Tracey J Hughes  Owner at The Holistic Retreat

This is a testimonial for a group Mindfulness session I attended, designed and run by Karen Cargill. I attended the session, not because I wanted to, I was asked to attend for the experience.  My expectations were low, believing the session would be a load of meaningless ‘tosh’.  I do not wish to be rude to Karen, but I do know Karen to be a kind and generous person, so what harm could it do? The experience was enlightening; I learned some breathing techniques, most importantly I learned to remain calm(ish), I’m still practicing, when encountering ignorant drivers.  The biggest lesson learned is that by being angry, the only person suffering is myself!  If nothing else,
a major improvement for my own wellbeing. Karen’s class was inclusive and accepting. I sincerely wish Karen well with her new venture and whole heartedly recommend that you try her sessions.

- Gwyn Starkey, MBE

I attended one of Karen Cargill's Mindfulness courses back in the summer of 2018. I suffer from depression and general anxiety and Karen's course taught me a few strategies to the help me deal with them which I have incorporated into my everyday life.  Karen taught me to live for the moment, to embrace my life today and not to live in the past (you can't change the past). She also taught me how to push away negative thoughts I had (sometimes still have) about myself and realise they are just thought's and not me. Thanks to Karen I have come to accept that I am not a bad person and people like me for me. Karen also introduced me to meditation which I do every day for between 10 to 20 minutes. It helps to keep everything calm and makes me feel nice and relaxed mentally and physically.
I highly recommend Karen's Mindfulness Course because it has helped me realise and accept that life is for living and to get as much enjoyment out of it as possible. 

- Kay Battle

My daughter was suffering from a Congenital condition and the stress of keeping healthy and positive seemed impossible. I met Karen during my time working in Adult Education. She introduced me to mindfulness and taught me a few basic coping strategies. 
This experience enabled me to carry on working by using the exercises to calm my mind and relax my body. Also I used some of the techniques with students at a high school who I support. They too learned how to quickly reframe and carry on using a more positive and focused approach.   The strongest attribute Karen has is her ability to reassure groups of people and students, resulting in their confidence being restored. My work life balance benefitted because I learnt how to focus on the present moment and prevent anxiety building up. 

- Anne

During the height of the pandemic, Karen kindly provided me with a mindfulness meditation audio to support the transition from work to home life when I was working from home, thanks Karen.

Yasmin Parvez - Training / Education – Greater Manchester Police

This is a testimonial for a group Mindfulness session I attended that was designed and run by Karen Cargill. I had gone to the session
‘as an experience’ and did not expect too much, but left feeling that Karen had done a great job. We were led through various techniques and I particularly thought the breathing exercises and meditation elements were beneficial. Karen’s class was inclusive and accepting – everyone was made to feel welcome and apart of the group. I sincerely wish Karen well with her new venture and whole heartedly recommend that you try her sessions.

- Gary Hardman, MBE