During 2023 we recorded that 250 individuals attended at least one community yoga session with us – many of these same individuals came to 2 or 3 sessions every week! We are happy to report that the total session attendance during this time was a fantastic = 3560!
This blog helps to pull together the key outcomes and impacts that these sessions have had- based on the feedback directly received from participants.
Over the course of 2023 Umbrella Yoga delivered the majority of our sessions under the banner of: Community Yoga in Kirklees, providing free Yoga, open to all abilities, backgrounds, and ages.
The grand total that we delivered came to a brilliant = 513 community yoga sessions in 2023.
In addition we hosted 29 ‘Tea & Chat’ sessions where people could practice yoga for an hour, then come together for another hour, to share a cuppa, cake and have a chat. Sessions were hosted at 19 community venues across Kirklees.
One of our core values is to be community focused.
In practice this means that we want to know how our sessions impact the people we work with…
Why do they come back? What do they like, or dislike?
All of this information is not only valuable to us as a reflection of our impact- but also as a form of service evolution. We listen, and act on our participant’s feedback, adapting our services based on their input.
We invited people to complete an impact survey and provide feedback.
43 people from 13 different community classes responded.
We asked them….
“On a scale of 0 (not helpful) to 10 (very helpful)…..”
Do you think your yoga classes have helped with symptoms of stress or anxiety? (e.g., restlessness, irritability, difficulty relaxing)
Scores ranged from 5 – 10, average score = 8.8 (55% rated this 10/10)
Do you think your yoga classes have helped with symptoms of low mood or depression? (e.g., feeling down, lack of interest in things, low energy)
Scores ranged from 5 – 10, average score = 8.9 (54% rated this 10/10)
Do you think your yoga classes have helped with your mental wellbeing? (e.g., feeling optimistic, thinking clearly)
Scores ranged from 3 – 10, average score = 8.8 (50% rated this 10/10)
Do you think practicing yoga has helped you to take better care of yourself generally? (e.g., recognising emotional needs, achieving balance in your life)
Scores ranged from 5 – 10, average score = 8.9 (45% rated this 10/10)
Do you think your yoga classes have helped with self-esteem and confidence? (e.g., being critical about yourself, doubting what you say or do)
Scores ranged from 1 – 10, average score = 8.1 (48% rated this 10/10)
Do you think your yoga class has helped with social connections? (e.g., reducing isolation, meeting new people)
Scores ranged from 3 – 10, average score = 8.6 (50% rated this 10/10)
Do you think your yoga class has helped with physical wellbeing? (e.g., strength, mobility, flexibility)
Scores ranged from 5 – 10, average score = 9.1 (62% rated this 10/10)
If you had to choose ONE area that yoga has helped with the most, what would it be?
- 33% – Physical wellbeing
- 28% – Taking care of yourself
- 21% – Mental Wellbeing
- 14% – Anxiety / stress
- 2% – Low mood / depression
- 2% – social connections
We received some valuable comments including the following feedback examples (anonymised):
“I feel much better, much more confident. I have parkinsons and I have noticed my coordination and fine motor skills have improved.”
“I really enjoyed this class and sad it’s come to an end. It really helped with my stress and anxiety and my physical well-being. It’s the only time I get for myself.”
“Yoga has been a fantastic outlet for me to get out of the house, move my body, relax my mind and feel physically and emotionally better and more connected. Thank you so much.
“Umbrella yoga supports people of all ages and abilities. The classes are friendly and welcoming. Everyone goes at their own pace according to their individual ability. It has helped me with arthritis in my joints, as well as meeting new people in the community.”
“Yoga has helped me so much with my mobility and strength and helped me connect with other people and socialize. And and it’s lovely seeing what is helping other people in the classes . If it wasn’t for umbrella yoga I wouldn’t be where I am now.”
Thank you to all who participated in the Community Yoga survey, and supported us to gain invaluable insights. It’s through this incredible feedback that we can further improve the impact and quality of what we do- both with, and alongside the communities who make us who we are!
