Shaped by you…
We reached out to the local community to help create this programme by taking part in our Ways to Wellbeing: Be Active survey. The results told us 80% felt it very and extremely important to improve their health and wellbeing. 86% interested in being more active. With respondents said they wanted to feel energised, calmer, more confident, resilient, more supple and healthier if they become more active. And some said they were concerned about not knowing activities could help them improve my health and wellbeing. When asked about the barrier to exercise, the most common responses were location, time and cost
With all this in mind, we have chosen to create a programme of Yoga for wellbeing, delivered through an 18 week course, with a choice of two locations. The courses will be delivered by yoga instructor, Naomi Hurst, of Doda Yoga, who will be on hand to provide wellbeing advice.
Why yoga?
Yoga is a wonderful way to ease back into exercise, especially if you’re feeling low or haven’t been active for a while. It gently stretches and strengthens your body, helping to release tension and improve flexibility, while the focus on breathing and mindfulness can calm your mind. Even just a few minutes of yoga can reduce stress, boost your mood, and help you feel more balanced. It’s a simple, low-impact way to nurture both your body and mind, and you can do it at your own pace – no pressure, just a little time for you.
Who is this course for?
- Men and women living with poor mental health including stress, anxiety and/or depression (no formal diagnosis necessary)
When and where?
The courses begins on Tuesday 9 September 2025.
Each session is 1 hour, with refreshments served afterwards and an opportunity to connect and chat.
Course 1: 9-10am at King Arthurs Way Hall > get directions
Course 2: 11.30am-12.30pm venue TBC
What to bring:
- Yourself in comfortable, layered clothing to move around in
- A bottle of water and a blanket
- A bag (for the equipment you’ll be given at your first session)
What you’ll get…
- Expert yoga instruction from Naomi Hurst, Doda Yoga
- FREE yoga kit! Contraing a mat, two yoga blocks and a yoga strap
You’ll receive these at the first session but please remember to bring them with you each week - Ways to wellbeing journal
How you’ll feel…
- Energised
- Calmer
- More flexible, confident and resilient
- A healthier and happier you
How to get involved
Cost
Pay what you can afford per session for the duration of the course.
All monies raised will be held by Valley Leisure Ltd. (Registered Charity No. 800760) and used to develop the offer.
Naomi Hurst – Yoga Instructor – Doda Yoga
Naomi is a deeply experienced yoga teacher and has been practicing yoga for over 20 years. She is accredited as a continued education provider by Yoga Alliance, allowing her to teach advanced courses to yoga teachers. She continues to train and is currently studying advanced anatomy with Yoga Medicine to support her teaching. In May 2023 Naomi commenced a academic 3 year training programme to become a Yoga Therapist which is accredited by the British Council for Yoga Therapy. The course with The Minded Institute focuses on understanding of the brain and the major physiological systems of the body. It examines the evidence linking brain, behaviour, physiology, and pathology, including the latest scientific research underpinned by ancient yoga practices.
