In the picturesque region of North Devon, a remarkable initiative is underway: the Community Yoga Project is hosting free yoga sessions aimed at promoting health and wellness within the community. Launched earlier this year, this uplifting initiative has already garnered a growing membership of approximately 250 individuals who eagerly participate in the sessions each week.
The founder of this inspiring project, Hannah Shackleton, envisioned creating a space where yoga is accessible to all, irrespective of financial constraints or societal barriers. By removing these obstacles, she has enabled many to benefit from what she describes as a vital practice for enhancing mental health. Shackleton’s vision has translated into welcoming gatherings, where the atmosphere is inclusive, featuring participants from diverse backgrounds—ranging from new parents with infants in prams to older adults utilizing wheelchairs.
Describing the unique dynamics of these sessions, Shackleton joyfully notes, “We have people come along with babies in prams, people who have toddlers clambering over them, through to older people in wheelchairs and with walkers; it’s really special.” Her passion for creating an inclusive environment has made the project a cherished community hub.
The Community Yoga Project conducts its classes in various outdoor parks across prominent North Devon locales such as Barnstaple, Bideford, Ilfracombe, and South Molton. Each Sunday, participants gather in these scenic venues to connect with nature and each other while practicing yoga. The project aims to foster a sense of belonging among participants, reinforcing community ties in an often-isolating world.
Crucially, the project relies heavily on donations and funding to facilitate its operations. Although they pay yoga instructors for their services, the project is committed to ensuring that classes remain free, especially during a time when many are facing financial difficulties due to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. Shackleton articulates the importance of this mission: “People might not have the disposable income to pay 10 or 12, or even seven pounds on a class; that is why we run these sessions.”
In alignment with Shackleton’s inclusive vision, Aimee Hill, one of the dedicated instructors, emphasizes that the project’s primary objective is community building rather than competitive skill demonstration. She posits that the shared yoga experience promotes social connections and combats loneliness among participants, highlighting the essence of a supportive collective.
Additionally, Shackleton expressed her desire to expand the initiative beyond its current locales, aiming to reach underserved areas such as Torrington and Holsworthy. She recognizes that community activities often concentrate around major towns, and wants to ensure that yoga can touch lives in more remote locations, asserting, “It would be great to take [Free Yoga] into other places, anywhere that wants us.”
As the Community Yoga Project continues to flourish, it stands as a beacon of hope, demonstrating the power of community engagement through accessible wellness practices. The sessions not only promote physical activity but also nurture the vital mental well-being of residents in North Devon, illustrating how grassroots efforts can create lasting positive change.
This vibrant project encapsulates the spirit of unity, health, and wellness, addressing both individual needs and collective challenges as it enriches the lives of its members. The ongoing journey of the Community Yoga Project is indeed a heartwarming narrative of resilience, community action, and the transformative power of yoga in everyday life. This initiative proudly exemplifies how a little kindness and openness can inspire a broader social movement toward improved health and connectedness in any given community.