Ready to Join?

Do I need to be fit or strong to do Yoga? No – Yoga for Wellbeing is a low-level, gentle, and introductory class designed for those looking to move and mobilise their bodies. Participants need to be able to get down to and up from the floor. Do I need to have done Yoga before? No – Yoga for Wellbeing is for beginners, those who have never exercised, those who are returning to exercise and those who have exercised but would like to do this programme. What movements will I do in a Yoga for Wellbeing session?

• Sitting
• Standing
• Lying down
• Postures
• Stretching
• Breathing
• Grounding

Will Yoga for Wellbeing hurt? Doing yoga won’t hurt, and it shouldn’t be painful. You’re very unlikely to injure yourself, especially as you’ll be guided by a highly experienced yoga teacher who will support you to move in a way that suits your ability. As you begin to move and mobilise your muscles and joints, you’ll start to learn how your body feels. Some of the movements may create a lengthening or tightening sensation in your muscles, which you’ll hold for short periods of time. These stretching movements might feel unfamiliar at first and could cause some discomfort, but with weekly practice, they will become more familiar. Over time, the movements will get easier, and you’ll become more confident and in tune with how your body and mind feel during yoga. Can I do Yoga for Wellbeing even though I have other health conditions? Yes, you are likely to be able to do yoga even if you have other health conditions. Before starting, you’ll complete a health questionnaire so we can ensure your safety and tailor the experience to your needs. Yoga is considered a low-risk form of physical activity, making it a suitable option for many people with varying health conditions. Why should I bother to do Yoga? (Feedback from participants)

• A sense of purpose in your life
• Create a consistent routine in your day and week
• Improved self-confidence helping you try other and new things
• Increase your mind and body awareness – how breathing can help you feel calmer, how movement can help you feel less anxious and stressed
• Connect with others and build social relationships
• Share experiences about how you and others are doing
• Learn coping techniques that you can use in your daily life

When is Yoga for Wellbeing? The 12-week course runs every Tuesday from 9:15am to 11:15am, starting on 9th September and continuing until 9th December, with two break weeks on 30th September and 21st October. Two-hours is a long time, will I be doing Yoga for the full two hours?  No – you’ll be doing yoga for about 45 minutes to an hour, this will include postures, stretching, relaxing, breathing and grounding. Where is Yoga for Wellbeing? The course takes place at King Arthurs Way Hall, Andover, Hants SP10 4BS, which offers ground level access, ample free parking, and a nearby bus stop for easy travel. Who is Yoga for Wellbeing for? The course is designed for people living in and around Andover who are experiencing low to moderate mental health challenges, such as low mood, stress, anxiety, or depression. What have people said about Yoga for Wellbeing?

• “Yoga is a tool in your toolbox, to help you cope with daily life.”
• “After my session I feel kindness in myself, I share it with everyone else.”
• “My heart rate dropped by the end of the session.”
• “I wasn’t going to come today because I had a massive panic attack yesterday, but I know that once I’ve been I would feel better in myself for going.”
• “Yoga won’t cure your symptoms but it will help provide you with respite from them.”
• “Yoga disconnects me from my thoughts which is a good thing.”

What should I wear? Loose comfortable clothing that you can move freely in and that you feel happy in. Do I need to bring anything? Yes – please bring a water bottle, a blanket, and a cushion with you. At your first session, you’ll be given a yoga mat, two blocks, and a strap to keep, which you’ll need to bring with you to each session thereafter. Can I bring someone with me for support? Yes, if it helps you feel more comfortable; however, we cannot guarantee that they will be able to take part due to class size limits. What happens in a Yoga for Wellbeing session? Upon arrival, you’ll be supported by a yoga therapist and volunteers to get ready. There will be an opportunity to share how you’re feeling this week if you wish. The session includes yoga postures, stretching, breathing exercises, relaxation, and meditation or mindfulness. Afterwards, you can share how you’re feeling now, followed by refreshments and time to chat. How much does it cost? There is no cost to you as the course is fully funded. However, you have the option to contribute 75%, 50%, or 25% towards the course fees if you wish. Donations to Valley Leisure Ltd (Registered Charity Number 800760) are also welcome. How can I take part? Register interest by phone or email (online information coming soon)

• 0300 373 1066
• [email protected]

What happens after the 12-week programme? During the 12-week programme, participants will be educated and informed about ways to keep moving and mobile at home. Participants will be signposted to locally available activities including locally available Yoga classes delivered by Doda Yoga, I Can Move More services provided by Valley Leisure, Yoga with Sport in Mind at Andover Leisure Centre, and the Community Orchard at Enham Trust for volunteer gardening activities.

We are looking to develop a rolling Yoga for Wellbeing class for those who complete the 12-week courses.

Who is delivering Yoga for Wellbeing? Valley Leisure Ltd are leading the project, Doda Yoga is delivering the project, the project is being supported by Andover Mind with help from Andover Primary Care Network. Why Yoga? Yoga was considered the best activity to deliver patients desired outcomes.

A year ago, 68 patients living with anxiety and depression participated in an engagement survey. 68% considered it important to improve their health and feelings of wellbeing. 97% were interested in becoming more active. People wanted to feel energised, calmer, healthier, confident, support and more resilient.

Why Yoga for Wellbeing? Practicing yoga supports people in achieving all 5 ways to wellbeing – being active, taking notice, learning, connecting and giving. What barriers did participants mention?

• Not being able to find out information about where and how to be active:
  • Collaboration – VLL, AM and APCN
  • Localised delivery – KAWH, area of need
  • Multiple comms methods
• Confidence to get started:
  • Engaging promo
  • Relationship building – collaborators
  • Yoga therapist supported by volunteers
• Cost:
  • Free of charge to those who cannot afford
  • Option to donate for those who can and want to
• Fear of being judged:
  • Creation of a safe space and place to be active
  • ‘All in in together’