Brighton Yoga Foundation Community Yoga Classes

Brighton Yoga Foundation (BYF) is committed to taking yoga to those in the community who currently do not have access to it or are unable to find an appropriate yoga class for their specific needs in a typical yoga class setting. Since we became a registered charity in 2016, we have been continually growing and developing our community yoga outreach work.

We aim to provide yoga that is appropriate to the population groups we work with, enabling us to offer a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for our participants to explore the elements of yoga that may be beneficial for them. 

We believe in overcoming as many barriers as we can which may prevent people from being able to access yoga. Some of these reasons might be;

  • The perception that yoga is for able bodied, healthy individuals only.
  • Lack of information about the therapeutic practice and benefits of yoga.
  • The rising cost of attending a yoga class in studio/leisure environment.
  • Lack of opportunity to explore a safe and fulfilling yoga practice.

Yoga teachers locally (and across the world) have often delivered free, low cost or donation-based classes to those on low incomes. Many have taken specialist training to run therapeutic yoga classes. Brighton Yoga Foundation is building on the work of the early pioneers in this work to make yoga available to everyone.

We are proud to be part of the growing yoga outreach community who are working towards a shared goal of making yoga accessible, and most importantly safe, inclusive and beneficial to those most in need. 

If you would like to know more about our Outreach work or how to access our services, please complete the form below

Gentle Yoga Online (Women only)

Location: Zoom

Gentle yoga is an opportunity to bring movement into the body with mindful awareness, self-compassion, and gentle inquiry to release tension, create space within body & mind and to reconnect back to yourself. This class is suitable for all women, including those who are new to yoga.

Chair Yoga for Long Covid and Chronic Pain Online

Location: Zoom

The practices shared in this chair yoga class are designed to support the management of chronic pain and fibromyalgia. The intention is to create a safe space for exploring sensation, understanding your relationship to it and learning skills to manage your pain. In this friendly, supportive and welcoming group, there is no right way to practice, only the way that suits you and your body on the day.

In class we use a combination of:

- Movements shared (can also just be visualised if movement is too difficult) is gentle and slow. There are lots of pauses where we return to the breath to regulate sensation and to notice how your body is responding.

- Breath practices are designed to regulate and soothe the nervous system which supports a reduction in inflammation (known to exaggerate pain sensation).

- Imagination and visualisation are used to support a greater sense of ease and relaxation.

Gentle Yoga for Women of Colour 

CURRENTLY SEEKING FUNDING

This gentle yoga class is for women who identify as Black or Women of Colour. This class is to create a space to provide a sense of community whilst enjoying the benefits of yoga. The teacher will guide you with the focus on intentional movement and breath, supporting rest, inviting curiosity, reflection and a space to allow whatever comes up to be felt. This class is suitable for people who are new to yoga.

Therapeutic Yoga - Women only

Location: In Person

A gentle and therapeutic session, suitable for those who have experienced trauma, chronic illness, and mental health challenges. An invitational, held space where we come together to move, breathe, and take time to listen to our body’s inner wisdom. This class is suitable for people who are new to yoga.

Gentle Yoga - Hangleton & Knoll Project

Location: In Person

This class explores yoga through postures, breath and meditation to expand into mindy and body whilst building strength slowly. The focus is always on listening to your body and moving at your own pace.

8-week Trauma Informed Yoga Course - (Women only) 

Currently seeking funding.

Location: In Person

An in-depth therapeutic yoga course suitable for those who have experienced trauma, chronic illness, and mental health challenges. An invitational, held space where we come together to move, breathe, and take time to listen to our body’s inner wisdom. We have the benefit of longer sessions, to explore themes in more detail, share information and handouts around the topics we cover, and spend some time in reflective conversation.

Therapeutic Yoga & Relaxation Online (women only).

Location: Zoom

This class is designed to help the mind and body slow down, creating an opportunity to step into a state of deep rest. The class includes mindful movement, breath awareness and practices, and a 20-minute guided relaxation. This class is suitable for those who are new to yoga.