Esther Ghey, the mother of Brianna Ghey, a trans teenager tragically killed earlier this year, is spearheading a profound initiative focused on improving the mental health of young people. Her mission is to prevent further tragedies like Brianna’s and foster a more compassionate society. Partnering with the Warrington Guardian, Ghey is championing the “Peace in Mind” charity campaign, dedicated to her daughter’s memory. This campaign aims to raise funds for the Mindfulness in Schools Project (MiSP) to equip school staff in Warrington with the tools to better understand and support the mental health and wellbeing of students.
Ghey’s motivation for this campaign stems from the devastating loss of her 16-year-old daughter in February. Four days after Brianna’s tragic death, two 15-year-olds were charged with her murder. Ghey believes that young people need more than just academic education, emphasizing the necessity of equipping them with skills to navigate their emotional well-being. She stated, “There’s no point in having straight A’s and having crippling anxiety and not being able to actually contribute to society at the end of that.”
The “Peace in Mind” campaign has a multi-pronged approach. Firstly, it seeks to provide mindfulness training for teachers in every school in Warrington, serving as a pilot program to assess its impact on local youth. If successful, the initiative aims to expand nationally, advocating for a more balanced curriculum that includes a robust health and wellbeing section.
One crucial aspect of the campaign is its resonance within the LGBTQIA+ community, which often faces higher risks of mental health issues due to stigma and discrimination. Ghey hopes that the campaign will not only foster empathy and resilience but also provide vital coping strategies for those struggling with mental health challenges or societal issues.
Despite launching just recently, the campaign has already garnered local support, with organizations like the Warrington Wolves and the Warrington Wolves Charitable Foundation endorsing it. This heartfelt endeavor serves as a testament to the power of local communities coming together to address pressing issues, with the potential to set an example for the nation in promoting mental health and empathy among young people.
To contribute to this campaign and support its cause, visit its GoFundMe page.
