Wellbeing Programmes for the NHS

Building Resilient & Healthy Communities

 

Evidence based health & wellbeing programmes that fuse the wisdom of ancient practices with modern medical science.

Programme outcomes have been validated by the University of Westminster.

  • Stress Reduction

    83%* participants report a reduction in their stress level, noticing an improvement of their mood and their outlook on life, with 81% reporting improvement in their overall mental health including feeling calmer.

  • Physical Vitality

    82%* participants feel a direct improvement of their physical health, including weight loss, 73% report improved muscle strength, flexibility, overall confidence.

  • Better Lifestyle Choices

    68%* participants positively changed their lifestyle as a result of the programme including their eating habits.

  • Better Sleep

    62%* participants report an improvement in their sleep quality as a result of the programme.

Evidence-based health and wellbeing course accredited by the Royal College of GPs which equips NHS staff with a toolkit of mind-body practices to reduce stress/anxiety, increase resilience and reduce burnout.

NHS staff testimonials after completing the 6-week yoga for NHS programme

What staff learn on the Yoga4NHS programme:

  • Yoga breathing practices

  • Mindfulness practices

  • Simple yoga postures

  • A short talk each week on evidence-based approaches to lifestyle medicine.

At the end of the 6-week course, participants receive a Royal College of GPs branded certificate which includes recognition as a “Breath Ambassador” able to share yoga breathing practices with colleagues. Attendees are supported with course handouts, optional access to video resources recorded by health professionals who are also yoga teachers, and ongoing support from the Yoga In Healthcare Alliance (YIHA). Completion = 6 hours of CPD.

Each weekly session is 60 to 75min long, prior yoga experience is not required. The sessions are delivered face-to-face (or online) to groups of 10 to 20 participants.

10-week programme comprising of 10x2-hour weekly sessions.

Each session includes:

  • Breathing practices

  • Yoga postures accessible to all (on a mat or a chair)

  • Meditation and mindfulness

  • Relaxation

  • Group discussion

Participants receive a course manual, weekly videos to support their home practice, weekly email communication, plus your Y4H expert is available 2 hours each week to answer questions and offer personalised guidance.

The sessions are delivered face-to-face or on zoom. Groups do not exceed 15 participants to provide opportunities for social connection and a tailored approach.

Quality insurance.

Originally commissioned by NHS West London Clinical Commissioning Group and designed by Yoga in Healthcare Alliance in cooperation with medical practitioners.

The benefits of the programme have been validated by the University of Westminster* which evaluation report concludes: “Participant reported outcome data demonstrated significant improvements from baseline to post-intervention on all outcome measures, which were sustained 3 months after the yoga4health programme”.

Only experienced yoga teachers are accepted teach the programmes, which is accredited by the Personalised Care Institute (PCI). This ensures that the programme is of the highest standard.

The programme designed for the NHS staff is accredited by the Royal College of GPs; participants on the programme will earn 6 x CPD hrs.

Personalised Care Institute

What participants say…

  • “I have found the course to be a unique and powerful experience. I was really surprised at how much I enjoyed it and looked forward to the sessions”.

  • “I felt that I was in a very caring environment… and warm environment”.

  • “When I have a specific pain or injury, I now know which are the best poses and stretches to do”.

  • “I have learnt to breathe properly and to use this mechanism to combat my stress levels….that moment of stress will pass and life goes on”.

  • “I have continued to feel more relaxed, able to deal with stress better and maintain a positive attitude”.

Get in touch

 

(*Cartwright, T, Richards, R, Edwards, A & Cheshire, A. (2019) Yoga4Health on social prescription: A mixed methods evaluation. University of Westminster.)