Leicester School Benefits from Yoga’s Positive Impact on Mental Wellbeing

A recent five-week yoga programme at South Wigston High School, in partnership with the British Wheel of Yoga (BWY) and the South Leicestershire School Sports Partnership (SLSSP), has shown promising results in improving students’ mental wellbeing.

The initiative was launched in response to concerning local mental health data, with HealthWatch Leicestershire reporting that 38% of female teens in the county experience anxiety and self-harm. In an effort to address this growing issue, a group of girls in Years 7 to 9 were invited to participate in weekly yoga sessions specifically designed to support emotional wellbeing and build resilience.

Led by Desford-based BWY teacher Lucy Pearce, the participants learned gentle movement and breathing exercises aimed at managing stress. The results were remarkable, with average stress levels dropping from 3.56 to 2.38 on a five-point scale, mood scores improving from 3.44 to 2.50, and energy levels increasing from 3.22 to 3.88. Students also reported better sleep, improved concentration, and feeling more in control of their emotions.

Sara Fletcher, Principal at South Wigston School, spoke highly of the programme’s impact, stating, “The impact of this yoga programme has been transformative for students. We’ve seen increased engagement in lessons, and students telling us they feel calmer and more focused. This complements our wellbeing strategy and provides practical tools our young people can use throughout their lives.”

BWY CEO Peter Tydlesley also commented on the success of the programme, stating, “These results speak for themselves. In just five weeks, we’ve seen clear improvements in the students’ ability to manage stress and improve their overall wellbeing. This reflects the real, practical value of yoga as a tool for emotional resilience – something every school should consider offering.”

Due to the success of the programme, BWY and SLSSP are now exploring opportunities to expand it to other Leicestershire schools, potentially offering vital support to hundreds more young people across the county.

The full report can be found here. [ENDS]

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