NHS Patients in Staffordshire Can Now Enjoy Free Chair Yoga Classes Offered by BWY

NHS Staying Well Service in Staffordshire Offers Life-Changing Chair Yoga Classes Funded by British Wheel of Yoga Volunteers

Staffordshire, UK – People supported by the NHS Staying Well Service in Staffordshire now have the opportunity to experience the life-changing benefits of yoga through free chair yoga classes funded by Midlands-based volunteers from the British Wheel of Yoga (BWY).

The classes, held bi-weekly at Barlaston Village Hall, aim to support those in need by providing a way to stay active, relax, and reconnect with their bodies. Traditional yoga postures can be challenging for many older adults, but chair yoga offers a welcome alternative, according to Sarah Dean, a Trentham-based yoga teacher who leads the sessions.

Inspired by the needs of her students, Sarah began offering chair yoga classes last May and has since seen the positive impact they have made. “I’ve seen people come in feeling stiff, stressed, and disconnected from their bodies and leave with smiles on their faces, able to move more freely,” said Sarah. “I wanted to make yoga easier to access so that those who need it most have the opportunity to experience it.”

The chair yoga sessions combine gentle chair-based movements, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques, helping people build strength, improve flexibility, and find inner calm. Karen Foster, a participant in the classes, shared her experience, saying, “Traditional yoga was never an option for me due to my limited mobility and flexibility. But chair yoga has made a remarkable difference in my life – both physically and mentally. The meditation leaves me feeling incredibly relaxed, and the best part is I get to enjoy it alongside a wonderful group of people.”

The BWY Midlands committee funds these classes as part of the Yoga in Action initiative, which aims to make yoga accessible to communities across Britain. By removing financial barriers, the funding ensures that people referred through the NHS Staying Well Service can attend for free.

Di O’Reilly, BWY Chair, expressed her excitement about supporting initiatives like this that offer relief and a sense of connection for people in Staffordshire. “As a charity, we’re committed to ensuring the benefits of yoga are accessible to everyone, and through our Yoga in Action campaign, we’re working to bring yoga to those who need it most.”

For further details about the classes, please visit: https://serenitywithsarah.co.uk/products/chair-yoga-1