Yoga4Health

Yoga In Healthcare Alliance* (YIHA) is a UK-registered charity dedicated to integrating the benefits of yoga into healthcare. YIHA works with the NHS and other health professionals to support patients and help them make lifestyle changes. YIHA was commissioned by the NHS to create the 10-week Yoga4Health social prescribing programme which is delivered by Yoga4Health teachers, including me,  in the UK and abroad.

Paul Fox, Chief Operating Officer, YIHA says

“The Yoga4Health programme is about empowering people to discover how much better they can feel by adopting a simple daily yoga practice. A large proportion of illness could be avoided or mitigated if people became more active and changed unhealthy behaviours for healthy ones. Activating patients to feel they are in control of their health and can take steps to boost their physical and mental wellbeing is key. At the same time, our programme aims to take them on a beautiful journey into their body, breath and mind to become more accepting, aware, mindful and kind to themselves. It is self-care by tapping into this powerful mind-body medicine: yoga”.

*Click to learn more about the Yoga In Healthcare Alliance

There is significant research demonstrating that yoga practice can have a positive effect on health, happiness and wellbeing. The Yoga4Health programme is designed by experts to help people improve their health and wellbeing in supportive environment if you: 

• Suffer from stress or anxiety or mild depression
• Need to improve your heart health
• Need to lower your risk of Type 2 diabetes 
• Suffering from social isolation

The Westminster University evaluation of the Yoga4Health programme concluded that…

“Patient reported outcome data demonstrated significant improvements from baseline to post-intervention on all outcome measures, which were sustained 3 months after the yoga4health programme. Service users showed statistically significant and clinically meaningful decreases in perceived stress, anxiety, and depression suggesting the mental health benefits of the course. Significant improvements were also found for patient activation (confidence in managing one’s health), wellbeing and social connectedness, highlighting the programme’s positive psychological and social benefits.”

Each of the 10 sessions will last two hours, including:  

• Breathing practices 
• Simple yoga postures 
• Meditation and Mindfulness
• Relaxation 
• Discussion at the end

There are 2 ways to join the programme:

1. Discuss with your GP or Social Prescribing Link Worker
2. Request Self Referral form at: yvonneyoga4health@gmail.com

The next 10 week Yoga4Health programme date is TBC, I'm busy securing  funding. Wish me luck!

 **Taster Sessions**  | Pleased to have secured Community Ward Funding for 1 hour introductions to Yoga4Health programme on Sunday 5,12 & 19 February. The Taster Sessions will be free, as they have been kindly funded by Waltham Forest Council.

Please click link to join ONE session, this is to ensure funding is spread fairly across Residents.

This varies depending on the following:

• If I have been successful in receiving full funding from an application to varying bodies  - potentially £0
• If I have received part funding from an application - potentially £ nominal charge
• If no funding is secured , to cover my time, I will need to charge - potentially £TBC (price will vary depending on whether venue can offer In Kind or discounted)

As soon as I know the outcome of funding applications I will update as above.

Thanks for your patience and understanding.

Read my Yogamatters blog and see some of the yoga postures you will experience on the Yoga4Health programme