November 2023

The Community Grants Fund (CGF) is a small grants scheme provided by the Council. Small grants of up to £5,000 can be awarded to constituted groups for local community activity. Grants are aimed to encourage small-scale activity that benefit the local community.

Edinburgh Community Yoga received a small contribution for Western Neighbourhood Network (NN) to cover three months of venue donations and tutor costs to allow us to run a Gentle Yoga and Relaxation class at Space to Be at the Gyle Centre Edinburgh.

The funds will enable us to support free or ‘by donation’ spaces at a weekly Gentle Yoga and Relaxation class at Space to Be. This accessible, trauma informed mat-based class will be open to beginners but will require attendees to be able to make it up and down to the floor unaided. The class will be made up of gentle movements, yoga poses, and breathing practices designed to support mental and physical health.

The venue, Space to Be is a newly renovated, accessible, large, attractive space on the first floor in the Gyle Shopping Centre. It is a place for local people to pick up information and build relationships by meeting, connecting with each other, spending time together and supporting each other.

We hope to work together with the community and partner organisations to address; social isolation and help improve mental and physical wellbeing off attendees. Practicing yoga as part of a group helps to reduce isolation and develop social networks. We recognise the correlation between social isolation and poor health outcomes and aim to offer a space where social interaction can occur in a way that is not pressured, as the main focus of the class is on gentle movement.

Outcomes for the class participants potentially are:

• Reduced loneliness and social isolation.
• Connection and friendship with others also living locally
• Improved access to health and wellbeing support
• Improved mood, social connection and belonging
• Nervous system regulation and increased emotional resilience.
• Improved overall health
• Improved physical strength, balance, and flexibility.
• Reduced stress levels.
• Self-management tools for anxiety and relaxation.

Spaces for this class can be booked via our online timetable here