Free cancer support Yoga classes

A new series of free yoga classes designed specifically for people living with cancer will begin in Newtown this June, thanks to funding from a local cancer charity.

The weekly gentle yoga sessions will be held at The Hafren in Newtown every Wednesday from 10.30am to 11.30am, starting on June 4. The classes are open to cancer patients from the area at no cost.

The initiative has been made possible through generous funding from Lingen Davies Cancer Fund, which has supported Jenna Blair Yoga Community as part of its new Wellbeing Programme for people living with and beyond cancer across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, and Mid Wales.

Jenna Blair Yoga Community operates as a not-for-profit organisation, providing yoga and creative practices that support wellbeing during difficult times.

The impact of similar classes has already been felt elsewhere in the region. One cancer patient attending funded classes in Shrewsbury described the sessions as "a safe haven in my week - total escapism from all that's happening to me and around me. When I'm there, I feel at my calmest."

Jenna Blair, owner of Jenna Blair Yoga, expressed her pleasure at being able to extend this vital service to our area. "We are pleased to be able to offer this important service to people going through one of the most challenging times in their lives," she said.

"We were blown away by the feedback shared by those who have attended our three weekly classes in Shrewsbury, with attendees commenting that classes provided a haven and total escapism from the otherwise scary experience of cancer symptoms, treatments and surgeries."

Ms Blair added: "We're very grateful to Lingen Davies for enabling us to provide this important service and look forward to being there for the people in Newtown and Powys too."

Naomi Atkin, CEO of Lingen Davies, emphasised the importance of working in partnership with local organisations like Jenna Blair Yoga. "We exist to make a positive difference to lives impacted by cancer in our region and are constantly fundraising to not only support the purchase of large-scale equipment for the Lingen Davies Cancer Centre at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, but also to raise awareness of cancer and deliver a variety of projects," she explained.

The charity has invested £100,000 in its new Wellbeing Programme, which provides wellness workshops and activities for people living with and beyond cancer. Ms Atkin noted the encouraging uptake of yoga among people in the community, both during and after their cancer treatment.

The programme works with various partners across the region to offer patients free access to activities including creative workshops, wild swimming, horticultural therapies, tai chi and yoga.

Those interested in attending the free yoga classes can find out more and book their place by visiting www.jennablairyoga.co.uk.