This year’s annual Yogathon at the Brighton Unitarian Church was a huge success. Over a hundred people joined in our donation-based classes, taught by Brighton and Hove’s finest yoga teachers. Meanwhile, little yogis explored on a yoga discovery in a magical forest wonderland, designed by our fabulous kids yoga team.
We are very proud to have welcomed experienced and aspiring yogis, yoga supporters and families. Our vision of taking yoga beyond the existing community to those who would benefit from it the most was palpable not only by welcoming newbies and children, but also by the presence of a few homeless people who experienced yoga for the first time.
As part of our commitment to make yoga accessible to all, every class was on a “pay what you can afford” donation basis. Together, we raised almost £800, all of which will help us bring the benefits of yoga to schools across Brighton and Hove. Special thanks to Target 5 and Ashiyana for their generous contributions.
Massive thanks also go out to all the volunteers, teachers, the Unitarian Church and of course all the people that came to support and bring awareness to our mission.
Supporting yoga in schools
Our yoga in schools programme provides free and accessible yoga classes to secondary school pupils across the city. Delivered in partnership with Brighton and Hove City Council, the project aims to bring the benefits of yoga to young people. Classes focus on developing strength, flexibility and mindfulness, whilst reducing stress and anxiety.
The programme has so far been delivered in six schools and has had a huge impact on pupils. Teachers and parents have reported that after just a few sessions, students feel more settled, calmer and are enjoying the practice of yoga.
The money raised at the Yogathon will help us achieve our goal to roll the project out across the city and make yoga accessible to every primary and secondary school pupil in Brighton and Hove.
Upcoming events
Our schedule of events continues throughout 2019 with the following:
- International Yoga Day Celebrations, Friday 21 June, 2.30pm to 7.30pm. We’re back at the Unitarian Church with an afternoon of donation-based classes suitable for all. Come and celebrate International Yoga Day with us – with thanks to the British Wheel of Yoga South East region, who are kindly sponsoring this event
- TAKEPART Festival, Saturday 22 June, 12 noon to 5pm. Come and enjoy a free yoga session and find out more about sports, fitness and wellbeing at this free event on the Level
- Brighton Yoga Festival, Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 July. The big one! Our flagship event and one of the largest yoga events in the UK. Come and join us at BHASVIC in Brighton for a weekend of yoga, wellbeing, workshops, kids activities, live music and more. Entry is on a “pay what you can afford” basis and is suitable for all with a packed programme of classes for adults and kids
Help us bring the benefits of yoga to all
Would you like to make a difference, meet new friends and have fun in the process? We’re looking for volunteers for all three of these events – if you’re interested, please get in touch at byfvolunteers@hotmail.com.