Domestic Violence
Violence against women and girls (VAWG) remains a pervasive societal issue and constitutes a serious source of harm. It is a major human rights violation and a public health concern, particularly in relation to mental health issues. According to research 1.2 million women and 700,000 men experience domestic violence each year and the actual figure is likely to be significantly higher. The estimated overall cost to mental healthcare is £176 million and causes the following:
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Women experiencing domestic abuse are more likely to experience mental health problems. such as depression, anxiety, PTSD and substance abuse in the general population. In contrast women with mental health problems are more likely to be domestically abused.
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Domestic violence has a significant impact on children's mental health.
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Experiencing a trauma like sexual violence interferes with someone’s ability to work.
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Many women are forced to leave their homes to find safety because of violence.
The structural inequality experienced by BAME women due to both their race and gender mediates their experience of violence, meaning they often suffer more severe abuse for longer, and face more challenges to accessing support than their white counterparts (KSS CRC, 2020; Siddiqui, 2018). The multiple layers of oppression they experience at the intersection of race and gender are inextricable from their experiences of gender-based violence: ‘abused BAME women are often subject to intersectional discrimination when inequality based on gender, race, caste, class and/or poverty overlaps and multiplies’, additionally, immigration-status related discrimination can worsen this’ (Siddiqui, 2018). The GYC can work with By and For Organisations utilising an Intersectional health approach.
Our approach and Research findings:
The Green Yoga uses a integrated health approach to DV which includes psychological, physical and spiritual approaches and similarly research suggests that Yoga demonstrated preliminary, positive implications as a complementary treatment for individuals with an IV history. Four themes emerged: (1) acceptability and feasibility, (2) enhancement of mental and physical health, (3) promotion of personal growth, and (4) facilitators and barriers to practice.
Conclusions:
The literature indicates potential benefits of integrating yoga into interventions for IV survivors to enhance physical and psychological functioning. The primary barriers to intervention were resources (e.g., access) and incompatibility with spiritual beliefs for select clients. Despite consistent barriers, preliminary findings indicate yoga has many positive implications for individuals with an IV history. The most promising, which is pertinent to our work is a Kundalini Yoga study which is covered in trauma and PTSD section.
Another research paper documented that Yoga, which is a practice of uniting mind, body, and spirit that has been shown to improve mental health symptoms and is increasingly being used as adjunctive mental health treatment. Less well studied, however, is the impact of incorporating trauma-sensitive yoga into group psychotherapy for at-risk groups, such as survivors of intimate partner violence.
The results indicated that yoga as an adjunct treatment to group psychotherapy for survivors of intimate partner violence may have positive effects for both care providers and clients, exemplified by the identified common themes (e.g., spiritual healing, increased self-confidence, increased mind-body connection). Implementation of such a practice seems to be feasible within community settings with hindrances (e.g., initial client resistance) ultimately being worthwhile for the healing observed in the population served.
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MENTAL HEALTH
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1 in 6 people, or approximately 45.8 million adults, report experiencing symptoms for common mental health problems, like anxiety and depression, in any given week in England.
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Nearly half (43.4%) of adults (24.5 million in England) think that they have had a diagnosable mental health condition at some point in their life.
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61% of adults with mental health conditions don’t access treatment.
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The amount of people with common mental health problems went up by 20% between 1993 to 2014, in both men and women.
Yoga Therapy Research
According to research, the prevalence of mental health concerns is high and access or full responsiveness to pharmacological or psychotherapeutic treatment for many individuals is low, which has resulted in an increased interest in yoga as a potential therapy for many mental health concerns. Research was carried out to investigate the efficacy of yoga relative to pharmacological approaches for anxiety disorders, mood disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and eating disorders. Yoga has been tested mostly as a complementary treatment to standard psychiatric and psychotherapeutic approaches.
Findings support the notion that yoga can help reduce symptoms of many psychiatric conditions, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms, above and beyond the effects achieved by standard pharmacological treatments alone. Although results should be considered preliminary until more rigorous evidence is available, yoga appears to have the potential to provide many people suffering with psychiatric symptoms additional relief at relatively little cost.
Furthermore, as current psychopharmacological interventions for severe mental illness are associated with increased risk of weight gain as well as other metabolic side effects that increase patients’ risk for cardiovascular disease, yoga may be an effective, far less toxic adjunct treatment option for severe mental illness.
Further Research including Kundalini Yoga
According to new research, practising yoga regularly can be almost as effective in treating anxiety as seeing a talking therapist. The study, carried out by New York University’s Grossman School of Medicine, asked 226 people who have generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) to try three different treatments; stress management education, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and Kundalini yoga to monitor their effect on their Mental health condition.
Researchers reported that those in the group who tried Kundalini yoga, which focuses on meditation, breathing techniques and strengthening postures, achieved significant improvements in their anxiety levels, second only to those who practised CBT with a talking therapist. This was the result of a 12-week study, which asked participants to have two-hour sessions a week with 20 minutes ‘homework’ daily. Fundamentally, this has prompted yoga experts in the UK to suggest that the NHS should consider clinically prescribing it to anxiety patients.
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TRAUMA AND PTSD
Trauma affects individuals physiologically, cognitively and emotionally, with the ramifications felt in both mind and body. Yoga therapy acts across all these domains, leading those with PTSD to increasingly turn to this mind-body practice in their journey towards recovery.
Post traumatic stress disorder is a challenging illness that can come to dominate the lives of those it affects, and a variety of strategies are often required to manage the emotional and physical symptoms that define it. The use of evidence-based techniques from yoga and mindfulness to aid in the recovery of PTSD is a promising area of yoga therapy, where emerging scientific research points toward several mechanisms through which yoga can reduce symptoms of PTSD.
Thought to be caused by a dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system, PTSD affects the survivors of trauma. There is growing evidence to suggest that yoga can aid in PTSD recovery.
Our Approach and Research Findings
According to research, a key challenge for someone suffering with post-traumatic stress disorder is the inability to regulate their physiological survival response. As an instinctive and unconscious reaction, a person can rationally know they aren’t in danger while still experiencing hyper-vigilance and even panic. Achieving stabilisation of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) through yoga can help people engage with counselling and psychotherapy, allowing them to begin to process their trauma.
Yoga therapy may help people return to a baseline physiological state more quickly after a distressing memory is triggered. It’s thought that regular yoga practice trains the ANS to be more dynamically adaptive (2), and that mindfulness meditation (a component of yoga) can lead to positive changes in neural functioning, including the reduction in size of the amygdala and increased hippocampal volume.
The Green Yoga specialises in Kundalini Yoga which show positive results in terms of research and PTSD. Kundalini yoga has also been found to be effective in minimising the symptoms of PTSD and C-PTSD – in particular, perceived stress and anxiety, resilience, and sleep. Studies looking at Kundalini yoga and PTSD found that those who participated in Kundalini yoga experienced a significant improvement in their PTSD symptoms, a greater change in their ability to sleep, in how they perceived anxiety and stress, and in their resilience to everyday life. Afterwards, the participants also saw improvements in their mental clarity, a higher self-esteem and a greater ability to self-reflect.
This particularly promising for marginalised groups, particularly BAME and Global minority refugees and asylum seekers who are more likely to experience mental health problems than the general population, including higher rates of depression, anxiety and PTSD. The GYC can work with By and For Organisations using an intersectional health approach to support these communities and Organisations.
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BAME Health
There are a number of health disparities that effect BAME communities, so we will focus on two of the most common conditions: Mental health and Prostate cancer.
Rates of mental health problems can be higher for some BAME groups than for White people for example:
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Black men are more likely to have experienced a psychotic disorder and psychosis than White men.
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Black women are more likely to experience a common mental illness such as anxiety disorder or depression.
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Black people are four times more likely to be detained under the Mental Health Act than White people.
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Older South Asian women are an at-risk group for suicide.
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Refugees and asylum seekers are more likely to experience mental health problems than the general population, including higher rates of depression, anxiety and PTSD.
Prostate Cancer and Black Men
According to research, 1 in 4 black men will get prostate cancer in their lifetime and are more likely to get it than other men, who have a 1 in 8 chance of getting it. It is unclear why, but it might be linked to genes. Currently research is being funded to find out why. Other risk factors that may increase the likelihood that you may get prostate cancer as a black man is if:
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You are aged 45 or over – and your risk increases as you age.
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Your father or brother has had it.
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Your mother or sister has had breast cancer.
Other important statistics include 1 in 12 will die from the disease, which is double the risk faced by white men in the UK. Perhaps even more concerning is the fact that 86% of black men are oblivious to the heightened threat prostate cancer poses to their health, putting thousands in danger of being diagnosed at a later stage when treatment options are limited. The prostate gland is an important component of the male sex system, but 92% of black men don’t know what it does, and 62% don’t know where it is.
Our approach and Research findings for Prostate Cancer
According the research, the greatest impact of yoga was on sexual function, fatigue, physical, social, and functional wellbeing. Data also indicates that yoga modulates several key immune cells that are important drivers of anti tumour activity. Furthermore, the analysis of cytokines/chemokines suggests that yoga attenuates the inflammatory response.
Other data demonstrate a positive effect of yoga in several clinical domains. For example, it was observed that there was significant improvement in QoL in the perioperative setting, which was reflected in enhanced physical, social, and functional wellbeing as well as improvement in symptoms of fatigue and stress. These findings are consistent with those of a trial by Ben-Josef et al. in which 50 patients with prostate cancer undergoing radiation therapy were allocated to yoga classes or standard-of-care for 6–9 weeks. In that study, patients in the yoga group experienced significantly less global fatigue and severity of fatigue than those in the control group. Moreover, as in another study, sexual health scores were better in the yoga group. Overall, this data demonstrates that yoga has a positive effect on emotional, physical, and social scores.
The Green Yoga has experience working with Black men with Prostate Cancer with a Cancer Charity, whereby there were many self reported benefits such as reduced stress, more energy, improved oxygen capacity, breathing, mood and sleep. These finding are also consistent with the research above.
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LGBTQ+ Health
Importantly, LGBTQIA+ health disparities are about systemic inequalities and this community is not innately more prone to the issues discussed below. Research suggests that LGBTQIA+ communities have higher rates of anxiety, depression, and substance misuse due in part to a combination of discrimination, bullying, violence and lack of acceptance, according to mental health professionals. These inequalities lead to worse care and health outcomes and further health disparities are outlined below:
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Higher rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
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Higher rates of Breast and Cervical cancer
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Higher rates of Obesity and Heart Disease
LGBTQIA+ people encompass all races, ethnicities, religions, and social classes. But when an LGBTQIA+ person belongs to another marginalised group, such as being a person of colour, it becomes even more difficult to find accessible unprejudiced care. These health disparities tend to amplify due to the intersectionality of oppression.
Our approach and Research findings:
The Green Yoga can provide the LGBTQIA+ community with yoga, mindfulness and wellness therapies that are effective, accessible, safe, affirming and supportive for physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health, as well as for personal development. We use an intersectional approach and our skills in wellness/holistic coaching to further enhance results and deliver this through a number of convenient platforms which have been welcomed, particularly our online and outdoor practices. Effectiveness of yoga and wellness therapy can help to support many of the health disparities LGBTQIA+ communities encounter.
The numerous benefits of Yoga therapy have been documented in research papers and have supported people with many health conditions, which can be found elsewhere and on this site. Therefore, our work with the LGBTQIA+ communities have, according to interviews and questionnaires, produced positive results. Many clients report that it has transformed their life, relationships, created inner balance and fulfilment. Others have reported improved immune function, a reduction and alleviation of symptoms and health conditions.
Therefore, based on the above positive results The GYC are currently developing a course and program to help target specific concerns. This can be used as an adjunct or alternative form of health and wellbeing with other services through partnerships, which includes the inclusion and voice of LGBTQIA+ people.
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Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Section 20 of the Children and Families Act 2014 defines a child as having Special Educational Needs (SEN) if he or she "has a learning difficulty or disability which calls for special education provision to be made for him or her".
A child is considered to have a learning difficulty if she or he:
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has significantly greater difficulty in learning than the majority of others of the same age; or
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has a disability which prevents or hinders them from making use of facilities of a kind generally provided for others of the same age in mainstream schools or mainstream post 16 institutions.
In the Equality Act 2010 a person is classed as disabled if they have a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on a person’s ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.
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Normal day-to-day means things that people do on a regular basis, for example mobility, dressing or cleaning (physical co-ordination), and having a conversation.
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Long-term usually means the impairment should have lasted or be expected to last at least a year.
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Physical impairment includes sensory difficulties such as visual or hearing impairments
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Mental impairment includes learning difficulties, autism, dyslexia, speech and language difficulties, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Our Approach
Our teachers have SEN specific Yoga training for children which we successfully carry out in a Special Educational needs Schools, Colleges and High schools. In addition, we work with staff and parents to further support young people and their carers, combining tailored packages for the requirements of the school, individual or family. Our other work includes setting up Saturday and holiday activities for children in partnership with other providers. We regularly receive feedback about the positive results and benefits of our work for children and young people which includes the following.
Yoga, Breathwork and Meditation both indoors and outdoors has enormous benefits for SEN teens and their Carers for example:
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Inclusiveness - Can be adapted for all abilities.
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Relieve stress and Anxiety - Especially through breathwork benefits.
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Improve communication - through sound, positional language, and thematic vocabulary.
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Develop motor skills - through poses, movement and improved muscle tone and body awareness.
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Practice self-regulation & coping strategies - helps children to self-regulate and cope with emotions.
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Sensory processing - and integration is improved because yoga poses stimulate the proprioceptive sense.
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Increase confidence - a yoga class is a safe space for SEN children and their carers.
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ELDERLY
OverviewThere are four types of care homes for the elderly: residential care homes, residents who live in nursing homes, care homes with dementia care and dual-registered care homes.
According to research it is estimated that about 70% of all care homes residents have dementia and that over 24% of the population are affected by arthritis, and that depression is affecting around 28% of woman and 22% of men in the over 65 age group in Britain. The Green Yoga can work with these issues to improve fitness and well-being.
What the programme will do?
There are currently programmes that are run by different organisations for the elderly that specifically target dementia, memory problems and arthritis etc. However, The Green Yoga programs have an overall holistic therapeutic effect, including where necessary a more targeted approach. For example, the benefits of Yoga and wellbeing therapies have been shown to be beneficial for many of the conditions faced by elderly people which is part of the aging process such as diabetes, mobility, high blood pressure, mental health and stress, in addition to other issues elderly people face such as dementia, arthritis and depression. Both the Alzheimer’s Society and Age UK say increasing physical activity, socialising and mindfulness (meditation) is key to preventing and improving fitness, mental health and well-being for older people. Furthermore, in conjunction with Yoga and meditation being found to be effective for numerous health conditions, it is also important as a adjunct to other interventions.
Our approach, Programme & Kundalini Research
Our approach will include evidence based wellbeing indoor and outdoor classes and programs. Some of the benefits of the programme will include:
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Improvements in mobility, fitness, posture and core strength that will improve movement as they perform everyday tasks, including improved strength and balance.
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A reduction in pain using non invasion safe therapies.
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Stress and tension relief, and improved circulation to the head and neck.
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Improved circulation in the feet and legs that assists relaxation; it also helps to detoxify and strengthen the immune system and stimulates lymphatic drainage.
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Strengthens cognitive skills and improves memory and mental health.
The most promising research based findings, which is based on Kundalini Yoga, is important as a preventative method for aging populations. Among a rapidly aging population, there is increased need for neuroprotective interventions promoting healthy neurological aging. Kundalini yoga is actively being explored as an accessible means to encourage healthy aging. The neurobiological effects of Kundalini yoga was measured in a pilot neuroimaging RCT with healthy meditation-naïve older adults. Results found a significant increase in volume of the right hippocampus after participation in the 12-week Kundalini yoga intervention, but not in the psychoeducation group. While preliminary, these findings encourage future full-scale trials to assess the potential of Kundalini yoga as a neuroprotective intervention.
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LONG COVID
What is Long Covid?
Most people who contract Coronavirus should feel better in a few days or weeks, and should make a full recovery within 12 weeks. For those people whose symptoms last longer this is called Long Covid. As of June 2022 an estimated 2 million people reported that they were suffering from Long Covid and 1.4 million reported that Long Covid was adversely affecting their day to day activities. 56% of those reporting Long Covid had fatigue, 31% reported shortness of breath followed by loss of smell 22% muscle aches 21%.
What are the symptoms?
Extreme tiredness (fatigue), fever, shortness of breath, loss of smell and muscle aches are the most common symptoms. Other symptoms include problems with memory (brain fog), difficulty sleeping, chest pain or tightness, heart palpitations, dizziness, pins and needles, joint pain, depression, anxiety, digestive issues, blood clots, rashes and menstrual changes. It’s important to note that it can be hard to tell if you are having symptoms due to COVID-19 or another cause, such as a preexisting medical condition.
What are the risk factors for post-COVID-19 syndrome?
You might be more likely to have post-COVID-19 syndrome if:
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You had severe illness with COVID-19, especially if you were hospitalised or needed intensive care.
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You had certain medical conditions before getting the COVID-19 virus.
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You had a condition affecting your organs and tissues (multisystem inflammatory syndrome) while sick with COVID-19 or afterward.
Our approach and research findings
The Green Yoga carried out three successfully Covid 19 related projects with the SEN and BAME communities using Breathwork and Kundalini Yoga, including outdoor green practices and Breathwalk which have been shown by research to be effective for immune health. Other research has demonstrated how breathing techniques can mitigate Long Covid symptoms such as below.
How can yoga therapy help mitigate Long COVID symptoms?
The Boston Medical Centre has documented one of the five Long COVID treatment options which is breathing therapy and retraining. Therefore, similarly to Yoga Therapy, clients can benefit from working on breathing techniques to regulate the autonomic nervous system, which make symptoms of Long COVID more bearable and may even help alleviate symptoms. In fact, at Mount Sinai, researchers found that after a week of breathwork exercises, patients with Long COVID in the pilot program reported improvement in symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue. Therefore, breathwork exercises are very similar to the most basic coherent breathing technique.
Coherent breathing is diaphragmatic breathing at a rate of 5-6 breaths per minute. This breath rate has been proven to show improvements in heart rate variability, which is an indicator of regularity of autonomic nervous system function. Breathwork helps clients control their heart rate; modulate the nervous system’s fight-or-flight response, and potentially contributes to a regulated immune system as a result. Proper breathing is crucial to circulation in the lymphatic system, often described as the body’s highway for immune cells, so the quality of our breathing has a direct effect on our immune function. Not only that, but coherent breathing also helps to mitigate exhaustion and fatigue, as the nervous system is able to relax and expend less energy.
Long-term sick: How record number is changing UK economy. Please click Here to read the article.
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Women's Health
Scientists are increasing their understanding of the different health needs between men and women; and understand that your biological makeup impacts your predisposition to certain health conditions. Whereas heart disease is the number one cause of death for both men and women; each year 55,000 more women than men are affected by strokes, women are also more likely to develop more serious conditions than men should they develop diabetes and breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in the UK.
It is estimated that 80% of all women will experience some sort of hormonal imbalance in their lifetime which include PMS to more serious conditions like Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.
The Main Health Issues for Women
The Woman’s Health Strategy for England highlights the main health issues facing women in the UK today as:
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Menstrual Health and Gynaecological Conditions, Fertility, pregnancy, pregnancy loss and post natal support
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Menopause, Mental health and Well-being, Cancers
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Health impacts of violence against women and Long term health conditions.
Research has shown that women in Black and South Asian Communities have higher rates of mental health issues, infant and maternal mortality, diabetes and the risk of women developing cardiovascular problems or Osteoporosis is increased during menopause.
Benefits of Yoga For women
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Helps during pregnancy and labour, and improves your sex life.
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Reduces the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, and improves symptoms of the menopause.
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Benefits for women undergoing breast cancer treatment, and helps those coping with gestational diabetes.
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Improves heart health, delays the onset of Alzheimer’s disease, and improves back pain.
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Helps with the symptoms of anxiety, and promotes its own natural high or post Yoga Glow, by triggering the release of the essential hormone oxytocin also known as the love hormone, flooding the body with feelings of well-being and happiness.
Our Approach and research findings
According to research, Yoga may represent a promising intervention for postmenopausal women at risk of cardiovascular disease and related chronic disorders. Meditation increases plasma melatonin levels and effectively improves sleep quality. Studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of yoga in improving sleeping patterns to combat insomnia and other sleep disorders in postmenopausal women.
Therefore, from the results of the studies it can be concluded, that yoga is a low cost invasive method that is fairly effective and recommended for all women, especially of menopausal age. Yoga also has the potential to provide physical mental and emotional health benefits to those who practice it with the right guidance. Thus providing relief from many symptoms that can be prevalent during the lifespan of a woman’s cycle. Other research found moderate evidence for short-term effectiveness of yoga for psychological symptoms in menopausal women and recommended additional interventions for women experiencing psychological issues associated with menopause.
Furthermore, The Green Yoga have advanced yoga therapy training for women's health issues which include a number of additional wellness therapies including hormonal health. This can be combined in a course, retreat and package and has demonstrated positive results from focus groups and interviews.
Please get in touch with us about a Partnership and providing a bespoke service.
MEN'S HEALTH
Men are statistically less likely to visit their doctor or know about their bodies, and some men may even believe they are at less risk of disease and injury than a woman. But statistically men’s life expectancy is currently lower than women’s and nearly a million men are affected by low testosterone leading to low libido, tiredness, loss of concentration and weight gain to name some symptoms. Around 1 in 8 men in the UK will suffer mental health issues and suicide rates are much higher in men than women, with some LGBTQ members twice as likely to struggle with mental health and contemplate suicide. It’s also recorded 1 in 15 men will be diagnosed with heart disease in the US and that around 143 men every day are diagnosed with prostate cancer, making prostate problems the main health issue facing men as they get older.
What is the Prostate and what does it do?
The Prostate Gland in men is located just below the bladder and surrounds the top of the tube that drains urine from the bladder (urethra). The prostate’s primary function is to produce seminal fluid, the fluid that nourishes and transports sperm.
The main health issues for men are as follows:
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Prostate Problems, Bladder Cancer, Incontinence.
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Heart Disease, High blood Pressure and Physical/Emotional Problems.
Our Approach and Research findings
Research shows that the risk of Mental health issues, high blood pressure, diabetes and prostate cancer are higher for African and African Caribbean men living in the UK and African American men are also at higher risk of stroke and cancer than other ethnicities.
Research postulates that complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), in this case yoga, triggers neurohormonal mechanisms that reduces stress and anxiety, improves autonomic functions and thus, improves reproductive health. However, there is a definite need for more directed scientific research to be carried out to elucidate the effects and the mechanisms of such impacts of yoga on male reproductive physiology. Considering the scientific evidence discussed so far, it is fair to conclude that yoga can be beneficial in the prevention of infertility and improve male reproductive health.
In addition, other studies found that while anxiety responds well to treatments such as cognitive behavioural therapy and or medication. Non‐pharmacological interventions such as mind‐body interventions, known to decrease anxiety in several clinical situations, might be offered for treating and preventing anxiety during reproductive age.
There are a number of health benefits for men which is discussed earlier for prostate health in BAME health. However, other general benefits of yoga for men’s health are:
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Greater flexibility and mobility, all over body strength and conditioning.
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More focus and full body awareness, corrects years of body imbalances, prevent injuries.
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Reduces stress, improves digestion, enhance brain function, and improves heart health.
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Reduces insomnia, helps you sleep better, and improves one’s sex life.
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Partnership
What is Partnership working?
Partnership working is when two or more groups come together to achieve a common purpose. This definition includes three important elements:
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Partnerships are deliberate because they are established for a specific purpose.
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Partnerships draw together resources from a number of different partners.
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The sharing of resources and information is necessary to achieve desired outcomes.
Why form a partnership with us?
Successful partnership working with us can have huge potential benefits for organisations and individuals working together, including creating new opportunities to learn from each other and share knowledge and perspectives.
There is also an added value for organisations working in partnership to be able to improve their ability to provide goods or services, and access funding streams. The pooling of resources (people, information, funding) is a key strength of partnership working, and the sharing of fresh perspectives can results in the creation of new ideas and approaches which would not otherwise come about.
Other benefits of partnership working with us
Working in partnership with TGY creates a number of opportunities, including access to the unique resources including access to knowledge; people with experience and skills; larger networks of people and organisations; reputation and credibility; and local knowledge or insight.
The resources provided by each partner differ, for example, a large organisation or local Council might be more likely to be the provider of funding or technical expertise in a partnership, whereas a community group such as TGY can provide an innovative holistic therapeutic approach, unique health services, and local knowledge at a grassroots level which is important. This ensures that the goals of the partnership meet a need that is actually there, rather than just delivering services which are not required.
Potential benefits of partnership with us includes:
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Ability to adapt and be responsive,
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Access to knowledge and people,
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Added value, cooperation, and evidence based results driven approach,
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Developing networks and relationships, efficient use of resources,
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Exchange of information and ideas, holistic approach,
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Innovation, reputation and credibility.
Please contact us about Partnership working to arrange a complimentary presentation for your Organisation, School, or Company
Schools, Colleges and Six Form
According to research, the number of children and young people needing mental health support and referrals to NHS Child and Adolescent Mental health Services (CAHMS) has hit an 'unprecedented' high, surging even more after the start of lockdown. Chronic stress which leads on from long term anxiety inhibits the functioning and development of the prefrontal cortex in the brain, which is strongly implicated in executive functions, and linked to learning. This is in part due to its role in short term memory, and emotional regulation which inhibits the capacity to focus on activities and decision making (Arnsten, 2009).
Many of the problems identified in young people such as; low mood, academic issues, concentration, depression, disciplinary problems, have their origin in the inability to deal with the emotional effects of stress. But for some people, this develops into serious mental health issues - 75% of adult mental illness starts during adolescence (Chief Medical Officer’s Report, 2013). Self management of stress, which yoga can develop, would therefore be of benefit to young people, especially since family support is not always possible or an option for many young people.
Benefits
Research suggests that Yoga has the capacity to Self-Regulate, which is our ability to manage our stress, emotions, and behaviours. Self Regulation can help young people manage their stress which gives them greater autonomy in relation to their mental health, family, personal and social lives. Therefore, reducing tension and increasing calm without the need for a professional session, and creates the balance and focus they need for their academic, personal and social development. This is especially important because research from MIND found that too many young people in secondary schools across England are being denied vital mental health support at school and by mental health services, affecting their ability to participate in education (MIND, 2021).
Evidence
Reviews of over 45 research studies of yoga in school settings suggests that implementation of school-based interventions enhance student mental health, performance, and positive behaviours (Khalsa, S. and Butzer, B. 2016). More specific impact of yoga on young people in health, social and academic examples are summarised below.
Wellbeing
A BBC programme explored three groups - a yoga, singing and control group over 3 months. The objective was to find ways to reduce stress in young people aged 13-17 (BBC Ouch 2018). The experiment concluded that the yoga group had the lowest levels of the stress hormone cortisol than the other groups including the baseline measurements which demonstrates that the benefits of a regular yoga practice is cumulative. Another mental health study at Ralph Allen school, Somerset measured indicators in the number of referrals to (CAMHS) after a 10 week yoga course. There was no referrals after the course indicating that Yoga was instrumental because no other intervention or variable was used.
Behaviour and Academic Study
Research carried out in the autumn term of 2020 at Foxwood Academy, Nottingham after lockdown, which included chair-based yoga, breathing and meditation was introduced for 10 minutes before class after lunch. There was a total of 75 students aged between 11 and 18. The previous term had 80 behavioural incidents and after the yoga intervention this dropped by 52%. In addition, in the same school, there was improvements, despite negative lockdown effects, in focus, concentration, readiness to learn, and improved academic improvement which was confirmed by all the teachers. Furthermore, Key 3 stage students increased their English reading from 52% to 72%. This is important because Mind is also calling for an urgent re-think of the way that schools respond to young people experiencing behavioural problems because of mental health problems and trauma.
Butzer, B., Bury, D., Telles, S., & Khalsa, S. B. S. (2016). Implementing yoga within the school curriculum: a scientific rationale for improving social-emotional learning and positive student outcomes. Journal of Children's Services, 11(1}, 3-24.
Cost - prevention and direct benefits
Whilst the above health benefits for children are promising, from a policy perspective, cost is an important factor. Yoga in itself is an inexpensive intervention in comparison to others. For example, a CAHMS referral cost, including prior personal and school costs, is well over £14000, and a ten week yoga course for a group of 15 has an overall cost of approximately £800-1000. Moreover, it has important impacts, both through the prevention of increased costs (secondary benefits), and due to the direct social, educational and health-related (primary) benefits it generates. From a preventative healthcare perspective, which arguably yoga has a substantial financial advantage. A single 10 week yoga course could save the NHS around £200.000 based on a CAHMS referral of £14000. The added value is providing teachers with skills and practices to enhance their own self-care which a crucial step towards improving classroom climate, teacher effectiveness and student outcomes.
Policy amendment
Lastly, it has been suggested that simple policy changes would enhance the reduction in costs above, including changes to both education and health policy. For example, teachers and healthcare professionals could benefit from awareness raising, training and inclusion of yoga on NHS lists for Social prescribing. Also, funding within the school budget for yoga provision - after school, within school day, during assembly, or as part of tutoring provision. Moreover, new daily published scientific research can make yoga and mindfulness a universal component of social, emotional and physical learning in the school system.
Housing Associations
It is estimated that one in three social housing tenants in rent arrears are experiencing mental health issues and the Coronavirus worsened this problem. Research by Mind (April-May 2020) of over 16,000 people found that those living in social housing were more likely to have poor mental health. Further evidence reported that people from ethnic minority backgrounds have been particularly affected by housing issues. In Mind’s research, 30% of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) respondents said problems with housing made their mental health worse during the pandemic, compared to 23% of white respondents. Therefore, people with mental health problems find it more challenging to maintain a tenancy.
Mind have identified practical recommendations in three key areas where social landlords can take action to support people with mental health problems to maintain a tenancy:
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Help with managing rent arrears.
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Improvements with communicating effectively with tenants and residents.
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Training staff to effectively deal with tenants with mental issues.
Consequently many housing providers also offer additional support services for tenants experiencing mental health issues including equipping their staff with the basic skills to work with tenants, and including people with mental health problems in the development of services. Also working in partnership with other organisations to provide additional activities and support for tenants’ mental health.
Below are examples of how other organisations, through partnerships can provide support and we at the GYC have included how we as an organisation can support both tenants and staff with mental health and Wellbeing programs that are effective and complementary.
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A partnership providing free counselling to their tenants to help people to cope with issues such as bereavement, relationship breakdown, poor health and other difficulties.
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A partnership to identify the health inequalities and designate Mental health Navigators to support mild mental health cases to access lifestyle health interventions.
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A Community Organisation offers retreats and respite for people who are experiencing low-mood, anxiety or other life changes that are affecting their health and wellbeing.
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A partnership that uses a community Hub to provide connection to partner agencies and preventative, early intervention to foster positive mental health and emotional well-being.
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A Mental Health Scheme where mental health support workers offer a flexible, supportive service for individuals and their families to gain the 3Cs: Control, Contact and Confidence.
The Green Yoga can similarly provide a plethora of support for both staff and tenants alike. And a primary advantage of our work is we always consult and include the voice and input from our clients or service users when delivering and designing programs. For instance, one way is through partnerships to address not just Mental health but physical, emotional and spiritual solutions and therapies that are evidence based that have helped communities who live in Social housing.
We have experience working with the most disadvantaged people who live in social housing with worse mental health outcomes such as BAME, SEN and LGBTQ communities. Our advance programs include culturally appropriate and intersectional health services such as Mental health courses, retreats, Women's health and benefits associated with breathwork, outdoor practices, Yoga and therapies.
Pleased get in touch with us about a Partnership and providing a bespoke service.
Sports Performance
Introduction
The Green Yoga would like to discuss the amazing benefits of yoga for sport performance and why we should be your first choice for a wellness program. Professional Athletes and people who participate in sport are now discovering the myriad of ways that yoga can be used to improve athletic performance through either the development of an entire program or integrating yoga poses into a training session.
The psychological and physical benefits are numerous which includes:
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Increasing mental concentration, improving flexibility and balance.
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Preventing common injuries and honing skills in a particular sport.
It’s no secret that many athletes have already benefited from this millennial discipline, including the basketball player Lebron James, the tennis player Maria Sharapova and the football player Ryan Giggs. The latter retired as a professional athlete at age 40, completing 23 seasons in the Premier League and played 963 games with Manchester United. Maybe yoga has been the reason for the extension of their careers and overall performance, and with good reason. The following benefits and research outlines other essential benefits and reasons to allow The Green Yoga to implement a comprehensive integrative Program for you.
The holistic philosophy of yoga practice provides a theoretical and experiential basis for injury prevention in sport. Specifically, yoga poses can be used to augment athletes’ core stability, flexibility, and relaxation. It appears, moreover, that yoga’s focus on corporeal awareness and living in the present moment offers a particularly conducive context for its inclusion in an injury-prevention program.
Yoga is increasingly being incorporated into the training regimes of athletes. Any athlete can reap the benefits of practicing yoga; it is especially valuable for preventing injuries in explosive sports (e.g., sprinting, tennis, basketball, baseball).
Benefits:
Some specific reasons athletic trainers might want to use our service at The Green Yoga is to benefit from a bespoke yoga injury-prevention program, which includes the following benefits:
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Improved efficiency in movement and range of motion
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Enhanced range of movement
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Helps maintain concentration
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Build and increase flexibility and core stability
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Sports injury prevention
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Better sense of balance and proprioception
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Active recovery after matches or training
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Increased relaxation and stress prevention
Savasana (corpse pose) is an integral component of yoga after the asanas (poses) which is known as relaxation. Sometimes it is overlooked and eliminated. After doing the Yoga, it is important that athletes lie down and completely relax and rest in Savasana (corpse pose) to achieve total balance—it is the very thing that is needed after a vigorous workout. In Savasana, the body and mind get a chance to take in and integrate the effects of the practice. It’s also an important practice for the nervous system to recalibrate and reset, which we know is so important in our busy, stressful lives. It promotes spiritual awakening and awareness of higher consciousness. This component is also deeply satisfying and enjoyable and a chance to absorb all the other benefits that come from this powerful healing practice.
Pleased get in touch with us about a Partnership and providing a bespoke service.
GP’s
GP’s - Overview
While the integration of Yoga therapy into modern health care systems is not yet considered mainstream. In recent years however, it is now starting to emerge. One of those influential changes is the development of the Yoga In Healthcare Alliance (YIHA) which is a UK charity dedicated to integrating the benefits of evidence-based yoga into healthcare by working with the NHS and other health professionals to support yoga teachers who want to help patients make lifestyle changes. Specifically, the YIHA was commissioned by the NHS to create the 10-week Yoga4Health Social Prescribing programme, which is delivered by over 425 Yoga4Health teachers in the UK and abroad and is accredited by the Personalised Care Institute.
The reasons for Yoga therapy’s growing acceptance among the medical community is:
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Yoga’s growing popularity with the general public ensures health benefits recognition.
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The need for a cost effective, alternative approach to help the growing health epidemic.
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By improving self-reliance and self regulation patients can become more responsible for their own health which reduces the demands placed on health care practitioners.
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A wealth of evidence-based research has consistently demonstrated its effectiveness across a variety of physical and mental health conditions.
Chronic diseases and Yoga Therapy benefits
According to research, chronic diseases are responsible for 70% of deaths worldwide and 40 million deaths yearly. Further research purports that Yoga has significant effects on a number of Physical, Respiratory and Mental characteristics such as; flexibility, balance, coordination, lung capacity, stress regulation, resilience, mood, life meaning and spirituality. These benefits are also capable of reducing risk factors linked to chronic diseases, and many disease are preventable through behaviour modification using lifestyle and yoga practices. Economically, this would have enormous benefits for society if such benefits were actualised. The Green yoga uses similar lifestyle programs and modalities to support individuals and Organisations.
The Cost Savings
An example of direct benefits is the social impact of the EU- funded Hippocampus project (2017-2019). This intervention provided yoga for 750 students and teachers in 5 EU countries. The results demonstrated a reduction in insomnia and stress, and an increase in wellbeing and social cohesion. The funding cost of the pilot was £170000, and the social impact of the yoga intervention was £268000, therefore a difference of almost £100000 compared to the project cost. Similarly, The Bravewell Collaborative Report suggested that the way to reverse the development of chronic diseases and save millions of dollars is to modify our lifestyle by focusing on exercise, nutrition, increased love, intimacy, and emotional wellbeing. Furthermore, The Mindful Nation report published by the All Parliamentary Policy Group proposed a strategy for bringing mindfulness into healthcare for mental health, stating it could save the NHS £15 for every pound spent. This includes further savings on antidepressant prescription costs.
Yoga Research
The popularity of yoga has been influenced by the increased practice uptake from the general public which has further influenced the recognition of yoga therapy as a cost effective preventative holistic treatment option for chronic diseases. Consequently, health care services (NHS) are responding to the changing demands and expectations that their patients which is focused on giving people choice and control over the way their care is planned and delivered which reduces the demands placed on health care practitioners.
To further strengthens this, there have been a substantial increase in quantity and quality Yoga therapy research according to a review of over 400 yoga therapy research publications in peer-reviewed journals. This has lead to randomised trials being published in leading journals, for example, the University of Yorks Yoga for low back pain research. This evidence base is now being used to justify the inclusion of Yoga therapy in a number of Integrative health centres and Holistic health programs.
Our Approach
The Green Yoga adopts an holistic person centred, culturally appropriate approach to lifestyle interventions with Yoga, Kundalini Yoga especially, being a major component of our work. The aforementioned research suggests this approach can reverse the progression of many chronic diseases and reduce health care costs. Other important aspects of our work is the integration of NHS and GP evidenced based approved yoga courses in conjunction with our wellbeing therapies, programs, green outdoor practices and retreats. We are committed to using measured feedback, whilst consulting with our advisory board and other healthcare professionals for guidance. In addition, we ensure that our staff receive ongoing training, particularly as Community Health Navigators in order to understand service user needs and the Social Prescribing process. Ultimately, we have observed that this union facilitates better partnership working, service user interactions and improved outcomes. This ensures that we can successfully support a number of groups and organisations.
Social Prescribing
Social prescribing is a holistic and personalised way to address symptoms through non-medical support that complements conventional health treatments like medication. Also, it has a role in reducing pressures on the NHS: around 20% of GP visits are for non-medical reasons. Community organisations such as The Green Yoga (TGY) play a vital role by providing and coordinating many of the prescribed activities and our culturally sensitive service is appropriate for marginalised communities. It’s estimated that as many as one in five patients consult their GP for a social, rather than medical problem such as loneliness, stress, mild mental health issues, anxiety or depression. Non-medical interventions such as TGY services could offer better treatment options than drugs in most cases.1
One of the services we aim to deliver is an evidence based Trauma informed culturally sensitive Yoga and wellbeing program with activities for BAME or African, Caribbean and global minority women, particularly Refugee and migrant women who have experienced domestic violence, trauma and mental health issues. Individuals will have the option to self-refer or allow their GP to do it and organisations will be able to refer their service users or consult us directly for bespoke work or tailored programs that fit their particular needs.1
Social prescribing is responding to challenges by recognising that medical professionals want to provide alternatives and solutions that give patient’s more choice and control of their health. Therefore, interventions offered by The Green Yoga may be a better fit because our specialist range of activities and services have the potential to improve quality of life, support health and wellbeing, and reduce the need for medical intervention. This type of partnership has the potential to not only make better use of resources and influence the reorganisation of local services, but plays a key part in the personalised care agenda of the NHS. Thus focusing on giving people choice and control over the way their care is planned and delivered.1
Demonstrating how Social Prescribing contributes to preventing ill health and improving wellbeing is essential, as evidenced by the health sector which is grounded in evidence-based practice. Therefore, TGY is committed to improving on self-reported feedback by training staff as Community Navigators and working with an experienced link worker using our experienced team which includes Psychologists, Teachers and Wellbeing coaches. This enables us to gain qualitative descriptions of patient experience, or realist evaluations of pathway sections (for example, enrolment, engagement, and adherence).1
In addition, the NHS England has developed an outcomes framework which proposes consistent measures that show the impact on Social Prescribing on individuals, community groups and the health and social care system. These two initiatives may offer us ways to elaborate on the usual self reporting method. Finally, we will also run NHS approved yoga sessions and wellbeing services in conjunction with our outdoor Green Prescribing services which can further strengthen health gain benefits from the most modest amounts of regular engagement with nature.1
1.https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/media/social_prescribing_connecting_communities_healthcare.pdf?mtime=20190715141932&focal=none
Pleased get in touch with us about a Partnership and providing a bespoke service.
Green Social Prescribing
Green Social Prescribing (GSP) is the practice of supporting people in engaging in nature-based interventions and activities to improve their mental health. Mental health problems are associated with lower quality of life, increased unscheduled care, high economic and social cost, and increased mortality. Depressive disorders are now the foremost cause of disability in middle and high income countries and can be precursors for chronic physical health problems. Spending time in green spaces has been shown to produce levels and patterns of chemicals in the brain associated with low stress, positive impacts on blood pressure and reduced socioeconomic health inequalities. Nature-based interventions (NBIs) that support people to engage with nature in a structured way are asset-based solutions to improve mental health for community based adults.1
Arguably, if population health approaches such as nature-based Social prescribing are to be effective it is critical that candidate interventions most likely to be effective for improving health outcomes in well-defined populations are systematically identified and described.1
Research suggests that outdoor nature-based interventions improve mental health out- comes in adult populations in the community, including those with common mental health problems, SMI, and long-term conditions. Nature-based therapies, such as forest bathing, were consistently effective across all mental health outcomes, although evidence from RCTs was limited. Furthermore, there was less evidence that nature-based interventions improved physical health, but there is potential for green exercise (and therefore Yoga) and gardening can increase physical activity. The largest treatment effects were observed in studies that tested nature-based interventions for between eight and twelve weeks, with between 20 and 90 minutes of contact time per session.1
Urban green spaces provide pleasant areas to relax and socialise, promoting greater levels of social activity and stronger neighbourhood relationships. This can maintain a high quality of life for people, especially the elderly and for people with disabilities. One of our main objectives is to serve local marginalised groups by offering a more networked, person centred adjunct to main stream approaches.1
The Green Yoga will draw from the aforementioned research based findings and develop an advanced program by merging the many documented benefits of Yoga, Breathwork, Breathwalk and outdoor Forest bathing to produce even more enhanced benefits. This has practical implications for scale up of nature-based interventions as delivery can more readily fit with existing provider delivery models, TGY in particular, and people can gain health benefits from modest amounts of regular engagement with nature.1
1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352827321002093
Councils
Rationale for The Green Yoga Partnership working with The GMS, Vision & Outcomes
The Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership involves different organisations which support healthcare inequalities. The Greater Manchester Strategy (GMS) documents how it should be carried out. Greater Manchester has some of the lowest life expectancy in England.1 Further differences exist summarised below, coupled with difficulties in accessing appointments, and waiting times for hospital care. 1
The GMS shared vision is for “Greater Manchester to be a place where everyone can live a good life, growing up, getting on and growing old in a greener, fairer more prosperous city-region.” 1
The GMS shared commitments and outcomes are to:
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Ensure our children and young people have a good start in life. 1
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Support good work and employment and ensure we have a sustainable workforce. 1
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Play a full part in tackling poverty and long-standing Inequalities. 1
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Help secure greener places that support healthy and active lives. 1
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Help individuals, families and communities to confidently manage their own health. 1
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Ensure all people and services recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. 1
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Build trust and collaboration between partners to work in a more integrated way. 1
Challenges affecting The GMS and The GYC potential for addressing Disparities
According to health data and research, particularly residents health needs, disparities exist between communities that present challenges according to race, ethnicity, gender, disabilities, poverty, social exclusion, sexuality and age summarised below;
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The poorest children are four times as likely to have a mental health difficulties. 1
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Black people are almost five times as likely to be detained under the Mental Health Act. 1
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The rate of mental health problems in adults with a learning disability is 40% at any one time, and 36% for children and young people. Almost eight in ten autistic adults experience a mental health problem, compared with one adult in six in the general population. 1
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LGBTQ+ people are less satisfied with their life nowadays than the general population. 1
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More than eight in ten women in Britain have felt as though they have not been listened to by healthcare professionals. 1
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Black women are 3.7 times more likely to die during pregnancy or childbirth compared to white women with women from Asian backgrounds facing 1.8 times the risk of maternal mortality. In each case there are direct implications for the design and delivery of health and care services to achieve equity in terms of timely access, experience of care and the outcomes of that care. 1
Early intervention and preventive approaches
The GMS approach is to;
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Focus on wider social, economic, cultural and environmental determinants of mental health. 1
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Promoting mental wellbeing moves the focus away from illness and is central to an individual’s resilience, social purpose, autonomy and ability to make life choices. 1
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To take a life course approach - personal risk and protective factors are determined in early childhood, primarily in the context of family relationships. 1
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To take a multidisciplinary and inter-sectoral approach as no one discipline has all the knowledge or power to effect the required level of change across the system. 1
Dealing with Challenges using the Six Missions
The GMS includes six missions in response to the challenges; Strengthening our communities (with a focus on improving Mental health care and Social prescribing), Increasing prosperity, Prevention and early detection, The recovery of core NHS and care services, Supporting our workforce and carers and Achieving financial sustainability. 1
Our Approach
Our work with disadvantaged communities with services that have been requested by service users have demonstrated positive effects from, organisations, focus groups and interviews, which have further corroborated our outcomes. The mission and outcomes of The GMS fit into our own approach and strategy, particular for disadvantaged groups and our use of culturally appropriate and intersectional health applications. The potential for partnership working will help to bring about positive and effective outcomes potentially for BAME, LGBTQ and SEN communities, but more specifically for families, women, carers, and young people. Our aim is to utilise our evidenced based services, green outdoor practices, workplace health strategies and our cost effective lifestyle, person centred health programs.
1 https://democracy.greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk/documents/s25577/GM
ICP Strategy v3.12_FIN.pdf. Shortened version of the above document link
Workshops & Webinars
The Green Yoga provides statutory, voluntary and public sector organisations with a number of Workshops, Webanairs, yoga and therapeutic health coaching solutions that primarily support service users, particularly in the following areas (see specialist section and below). Additionally, we also provide a number similar and further training and support that can be adapted for staff and volunteers. Our highly skilled professional team consists of trained Teachers, Psychologists, Nutritional therapists, Researchers, medically trained professionals and Wellness coaches. Collectively, we have the skill and experience to provide quality highly impactful interactive sessions that will inspire, support and provide all the necessary tools for your Organisation.
Research conducted by Tudor trust and IVAR suggests that 36% and 28% respectively of organisations purchased training, courses, and workshops with a wellbeing focus and professional one-to-one coaching for staff wellbeing. A number of organisations undertook a Mental health First Aid course and other courses purchased included Mindfulness and Trauma informed approaches. All of which we at TGY offer for our clients. Further results from the difference this made were positive for all levels of employees including; a boost in morale, health, prioritising self care, improved relationships with teams, reduced loneliness and an increase in productivity.
Our comprehensive range of spiritual, psychological, physical and emotional Workshops and Webanairs can be delivered through a number of convenient platforms including in person, one-to-one, online and outdoor in nature. Service users, staff and volunteers alike will gain essential personal life affirming inspiration from the content and depth of these sessions.
A selection of Workshops & Webinars we offer include:
Nutrition and health
Sleep and Breathwork
Yoga and mental health
Stress management
Self-regulation and health
BAME health
Long Covid/immunity
LGBTQ health
Women's health & Menopause
Trauma & PTSD
Mindfulness
Sports performance and yoga
Mental health first-aid
Mens health
Breathwalk and forest bathing
Yoga and preventative health
Neuroprotective health & Dementia
Trauma Informed practices
Please see our Workshops and Webinars and get in touch for more information here.
Courses
A Green Yoga course is an excellent way to deepen statutory, voluntary and public sector organisation’s understanding of a particular health topic or personal yoga practice. Furthermore, apart from learning the foundations, it is also a chance to learn how to manage, and in some cases, alleviate long standing health issues. This level of engagement and development is a perfect basis for one of our Programs. We can develop a Yoga course in any of the specialist health areas in the relevant sections, and there are a number of other training courses that would benefit service users, staff and volunteers.
For example, a Yoga course can actually help to build a safe foundation, and if you want to develop a regular practice, this is another way to do it. Furthermore, participants will understand the fundamentals via a health and wellbeing course and it’s a perfect way to either start your yoga journey, or deepen your understanding from a beginners to a more specific health subject area. This level of engagement and development is a perfect basis for a more enhanced Program. In any case, you will gain integration and elevated personal health, and a chance to receive ongoing support from our multi-disciplined team that can be adapted as you develop.
A sample of Courses we offer include:
Nutrition and health
Sleep and Breathwork
Yoga and mental health
Stress management
Self-regulation/Resilience
Mens health/Prostate health
Trauma & PTSD series
Long Covid/Immune health
Women's health/hormones
Stress management
Mindfulness
Sports performance and yoga
Mental health first-aid
Trauma informed Yoga
Breathwalk and forest bathing
Yoga and preventative health
BAME health
Yoga, pain and back care
Research suggests that when wellbeing ring fenced funding was made available, organisations invested in training courses with a focus on wellness such as; Mindfulness, Counselling,Trauma informed approaches, Conflict management and one-to-one coaching.
Programs
A Green Yoga program can be progression from our workshops and courses or as a stand alone offering. Our all inclusive health programs enable individuals to benefit from additional lifestyle modalities that support their personal health journey. This is of particular importance to implement for health inequalities encountered by services users or staff and volunteers benefiting from a comprehensive and profound life changing healing experience with lasting results. The programs are carefully structured and developed by our multi talented team to enhance your health and development which can include but not limited to combining Yoga, Nutrition, Outdoor green practices, Mindfulness and Holistic body treatments.
The consecutive and extended nature of a program series means participants can build on learning with expert advice and guidance at hand which can be monitored and adapted over the duration of the program. Finally, committing to a Green health or Yoga program has a positive knock on effect, whereby service users and staff, including volunteers begin to adopt or actualise the practices. For example, people start to prioritise a healthy diet, having a nourishing massage, enough rest and continuing the Yoga sessions, breathwork and outdoor practices. This instills, regular healthy lifestyle integration and an opportunity to give yourself a mini retreat experience in preparation for one of our real ones. More importantly, service users and employee's are equipped with the tools to mange their own healthcare, both psychologically and physically which reduces disease and balances their work-life.
Some of the benefits and outcomes of our Health Programs include:
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Stress, trauma and Mental health relief and nurturing therapies.
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Increases in productivity, Peak Performance and a reduction in health costs.
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Disease and illness prevention and recovery utilising nature inspired therapies.
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Positive and lasting results with increased resilience and self regulation.
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Increases in Spiritual, Psychological and Physical health and happiness
A sample of Programs we offer includes:
Nutrition and health
Sleep and Breathwork
Kundalini Yoga mental health series
Stress management and Burnout Program
Conflict resolution Program
Disease Prevention/Immune health Yoga
Resilience and Self Regulation
Therapy, Spa and Wellbeing Program
Menopause and health
Breathwalk and forest bathing
Mindfulness Program
Sports performance and yoga
Organisational Yoga classes
The Green Yoga can provide statutory, voluntary and public sector organisations with comprehensive evidenced based Yoga sessions for your entire workforce, particularly, service users, volunteers and staff. This also will have enormous benefits for staff and Charity/Social enterprise Directors or employers (see below).
Research into the benefits of yoga has grown exponentially. To further illustrate this there have been a substantial increase in quantity and quality Yoga therapy research according to a review of over 400 yoga therapy research publications in peer-reviewed journals. This has lead to randomised trials being published in leading journals, for example, the University of Yorks Yoga for low back pain research. This evidence base is now being used to justify the inclusion of Yoga therapy in a number of Integrative health centres and Holistic health programs and more importantly in the Workplace.
Benefits of Yoga for Organisations and Employees
More Social enterprise, Charities and other private sector organisations are now recognising that Yoga and meditation during the workday is good for employees. Yoga, particularly Kundalini Yoga can benefit your employees by:
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Boosting productivity and efficiency in the office.
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Boosts concentration, memory and mental clarity.
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Alleviates stress, anxiety and balances the nervous system.
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Improves posture, physical tension and pain.
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Supports the immune system and respiratory system.
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Kundalini Yoga can benefit the employer by improving interaction with teams and overall productivity.
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Can produce effective creative management strategies and growth.
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Better employee absenteeism rates.
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Produces a sense of wellbeing that leads to healthier employees, work relationships and more effective happier productive teams.
Social enterprise based research
According to research by Tudor Trust and IVAR, Yoga and wellbeing, especially when ring fenced funding was available, highlighted the need for staff wellbeing to become a priority for good mental health at work. A report released by London Funders in April 2019 argued for priority to be given to good mental health, and suggested that funders could support staff wellbeing by providing flexible core grants, or through ‘funder plus’ offers.
The research summaries what the organisation spent the fund on. More importantly, the research suggested the support for individuals was significant. The survey demonstrated that 55% of respondents spent some of the wellbeing grant on gifts or activities that would benefit volunteers and/or individual members of staff. For instance, providing relaxation opportunities through Yoga, meditation or mindfulness was highlighted and implemented.
Our Approach
The Green Yoga understands and has experience as a Social enterprise to deliver the most comprehensive packages and solutions for your organisation. TGY adopts an holistic person centred, culturally appropriate approach to lifestyle interventions with Yoga, Kundalini Yoga especially, being a major component of our work. The aforementioned research suggests this approach can reverse the progression of many chronic diseases and reduce health care costs, and provide a solution for many diseases particularly mental, and spiritually which is most prevalent for staff, volunteers and service users.
A sample of Yoga classes we offer includs
Nutrition and health
Sleep and Breathwork
Yoga and mental health
Energy Productivity morning boost
Burnout remedy Yoga & Meditation
Candlelight relaxing Yin Yoga
Resilience and Self regulation set
Mens health & Prostate set
Womens health and hormones
Stress management & Adrenal health
Creative surge Yoga class
Sports performance and yoga
Functional, posture & alignment Yoga
Trauma and PTSD
Breathwalk and forest bathing
Yoga and preventative health
TGY Oxygen power Breathwalk
Memory enhancing Meditation
Wellbeing Days
Service users, staff and volunteers need time to recharge and or return to work with a clear mindset. Therefore, Wellbeing or Wellness days, Away days and Spa days are an opportunity for organisations to provide valuable wellbeing information and relaxation techniques to a group of service users with the ultimate aim to support mental, physical, spiritual and emotional health. This includes supporting both staff and volunteers in and out of work. Mental health is negatively affected by mounting workplace stress, and the responsibility for caring for others and long term health conditions can all lead to burn out or further health complications. Commons signs include:
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Feeling detached/alone in the world
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Having a cynical/negative outlook
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Self-doubt
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Slowing down and procrastinating
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Feeling overwhelmed
Generally, our Wellbeing days often include exercises that focus on both physical and psychological activities such as Yoga, Mindfulness, Nutritional guidance and Massage therapies which can collectively relieve common musculoskeletal pain. The advantage of these practices is that The Green Yoga specialise in these areas and can offer a wide range of benefits that simultaneously and quickly alleviate physical and psychological work and general health issues. These activities serve to reinforce the importance of self-care, Stress management, and striking the right balance between work and rest.
The mind recovers after taking time off and rest, so for staff they return motivated and performance focused. For service users their health improves because taking time out from ill health and caring for others relieves increasing stress which can lead to mental and physical conditions, such as:
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Anxiety
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Depression
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Headaches and dizziness
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Muscle tension and pain
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Stomach problems
Managing stress is crucial. Globally, stress and long working hours are associated with about 745,000 Strokes and ischaemic Heart disease deaths every year, according to a study by the World Health Organisation. In sum, offering well-being days will make service users, staff and volunteers feel valued and cared for. It shows that you trust them to take responsibility for their own well-being and use the available time allocated wisely to focus on their mental and physical well-being.
Retreats
A Green Yoga Wellness retreat is a way of disconnecting from the regular hustle of a stressful life and a quick getaway can help your Services users take a break or weekend away to prevent burnout. For example, during long periods of caregiving taking a well needed respite can ease the stress associated with taking care of family members while taking care for themselves. It’s essential to avoid isolation by keeping up with relationships between friends and other family members and solid relationships are vital for us as humans to promote the social engagement we need for our mental health. This includes isolation from remote working, especially for staff and volunteers, enabling them to unwind from their hectic work life, by providing a Zen respite of peace and harmony.
In a typical stressful work environment, Social enterprises and healthcare staff who support others are sometimes too busy scheduling and rescheduling deadlines and meetings. This work culture unintentionally wreaks chaos on physical and psychological wellness and thus the ability to provide the best care for people in their care such as service users. Unfortunately, this can lead to becoming a victim of sedentary life, and inviting various health hazards. For services users many have a plethora of long term health conditions such as, trauma and other co-morbidities, coupled with limited finance and being carers of others which renders it unlikely to have the time or financial means for a wellbeing retreat.
Refocusing on health such as a Green Yoga wellness retreat offers service users, staff and volunteers the time and respite to focus on their own health and provide education about the correlation between mental stress and overall wellbeing. This will help them to live a meaningful life whilst also improving the efficacy of the organisation. During our retreats people will learn to control their emotions and perform better in their roles. Therefore helping them to bring better versions of themselves to work. through the advanced rejuvenation and relaxation which boosts morale, reduces anxiety, and keeps the individual or organisational team culture strong.
Other benefits include improvements in communication and camaraderie among all people who attend. This ripple effect can lead to living a more positive life due to feeling healthy, especially after actualising the therapies, information, and tools applied. The Green yoga can develop, integrate and adapt retreats for your organisational needs and can provide therapeutic sessions/packages, a range of products, incentives and gifts and the promotion of holistic wellness that address physical, spiritual, or psychological needs. Below are examples of the type of retreats that can be organised:
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Yoga health retreats
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Nutrition and food as a focus
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Spa and wellness therapies
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Breathwork and Meditation
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Outdoor breathwalk and forest bathing
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Women/Men and hormonal health
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Mental health, Mindfulness, Resilience and Self Regulation
Our wellness retreat offers more than merely a peaceful weekend getaway with your service users and employees. It's a process of excellent communication, networking, teamwork, and elevated health and wellness. They ensure that everybody feels motivated, supported and cared for which is a critical investment now more than ever before.
Packages
Carers
A carer is anyone, including children and adults who provides unpaid care by looking after a family member, partner or friend who needs help and can’t cope because of their illness, frailty, disability, mental health problems or an addiction. A young carer is a person under 18 who provides or intends to provide care for another person. Throughout this writeup we will be referring to both adult and young carers. Typically, many young carers undertake inappropriate or excessive caring roles that may have an impact on their development which renders them vulnerable, thus impacting upon their emotional or physical well-being including prospects in education and life.1
In general, taking on a caring role can mean financial hardship, isolation, frustration, depression, and ill health. Many carers go unidentified until many years into the caring role and the majority struggle alone, unaware that help is available. Families, particularly from BAME communities are affected by illness or disability and need to know what’s available with regards to support and statistically incur many inequalities for example:2
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Young carers are 1.5 times as likely to be from BAME communities, and twice as likely to not to speak English as a first language or access support due to being unaware it exists.
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BAME households and marginalised communities are more likely to report and experience ill health and mental health problems than white British people.2
The document by Barnado’s ‘Caring alone’ is calling on policy makers to act soon to better support BAME young carers and have made recommendations, a few are selected below.2
Importantly, Local authorities, NHS England and young carer services need to reduce the stigma of mental illness, special needs and disability and engage better with BAME communities including employing specific BAME workers who understand the communities they are working within. In addition to identifying carers in families experiencing domestic violence and other vulnerabilities to ensure they get referred for the appropriate support.2
Evidence documenting benefits of Yoga Therapy for Carers
Research from meta-analysis demonstrated that Yoga therapy as an intervention is effective in helping carers reduce stress, burden, and depression while also benefiting their mental health. The findings provide preliminary support for statutory service providers and healthcare professionals such as GP surgeries, nurses, counsellors and other health providers to integrate the practice of Yoga therapy in reducing stress, burden, and depression among the carers and also to improve their mental health and wellbeing. Other research for remedial massage and acupuncture demonstrated positive results and could be beneficial as part of a wider wellbeing program for carers mental and physical health.3
Our Approach
The Green Yoga can provide culturally sensitive services that are appropriate for carers and young carers from BAME, Black, Caribbean, global minority communities and By and For organisations. These services will be evidence based, carried out by highly qualified professionals and culturally appropriate for these groups and run by people who can understand their needs. Our services include Yoga therapy, teen yoga, Trauma informed yoga and approaches, Therapeutic and medical massage, Nutritional therapy, cultural cooking, Mindfulness and counselling and Green outdoor practices. These preventative holistically adapted respite care packages can be carried out through Social and Green Prescribing, one-to-one consultations, Retreats, Wellness/Spa days, classes, Wellbeing programs and courses by TGY which was recommended by young carers (see below).
The NHS ‘top tips’ which have been developed by young carers recommend that general practice should include access to Preventative Health and Social Prescribing including prompt referrals to local support services.2
1. https://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/sites/default/files/2020-10/young-carers-of-bame-families.pdf
2. https://www.barnardos.org.uk/sites/default/files/uploads/Barnardos Caring Alone report.pdf
3. https://www.wirralintelligenceservice.org/media/1097/3094-rs3-dr-kate-anderson-for-publishing-1.pdf
Customisation Matters!
No two customers are identical. And not all customers want the same thing from our services. That’s why we are letting our customers customize the service based on their needs. It’s easy and simple way to help our customers get what they want from our services!