The Royal Voluntary Service Practice with Care yoga group is organised by local volunteer Penny Wang in conjunction with the charity Royal Voluntary Service and Prudential.
Bring People Together is a programme that seeks to encourage more people to volunteer to help run, or start their own activities in, communities across Kent.
The group meets fortnightly on the first and third Saturdays of each month at the Paddock Wood Day Centre in Commercial Road.
It starts at 10am and lasts for 45 minutes. It offers a gentle introduction to yoga which requires no previous experience or prior booking.
Penny, 42, is hoping to attract more volunteers to help run the sessions so she can open the class to more people.
“Yoga can be beneficial for most people, but in particular it is good for older adults who want to improve their balance and co-ordination,” she said.
“The gentle movements we do are designed to increase strength, flexibility and breathing, with some evidence showing regular yoga practice can help those with high blood pressure, heart disease, aches and pains, depression and stress.”
The sessions are offered on a complimentary basis with support from Paddock Wood Town Council.
Meryl Flashman, chair of the town council, said: “Evidence shows that yoga is a very beneficial form of gentle exercise for all ages.
“The council is delighted to lend its support to this new venture, as it extends the opportunities available for senior members of the community in line with the original vision for the day centre.”
Karen Hilson, Community Engagement and Development Worker for Kent at Royal Voluntary Service, said: “We would love to expand this club to enable more people to attend, however we do need more volunteers to help support Penny.
“You don’t need to be a trained yoga teacher, but if you have experience and would like to learn, then please get in touch.”
Royal Voluntary Service is one of Britain’s largest volunteering charities, with more than 20,000 volunteers working in hospitals and local communities. Visit www.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk
For more information, email Penny at: pwcyoga@royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk
