The Cruach Trust
October 2024
The Cruach Trust is a small Scottish charity, which likes to make a difference with its donations. The Trust provides financial support for the natural environment including gardens, and for community and music-related organisations throughout the United Kingdom. The trustees have discretion to make donations in the UK and abroad although the vast majority are to Scottish organisations, with all types of charitable objects.
Edinburgh Community Yoga received a contribution to cover twenty weeks of venue donations and tutor costs to allow us to continue our classes at Space to Be at the Gyle Centre Edinburgh.
The funds will enable us to support free or ‘by referral’ spaces at our classes at Space to Be. 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 continue working 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.
