Referrals can be made by:

• Completing our online referral form, or

• Emailing referrals@cumbriayogafoundation.org

If you’re unsure which route is best, please get in touch and we’ll advise.

Refer online now

Referrals can be made by healthcare professionals, social prescribers, link workers, support workers and other professionals working with adults who may benefit from gentle, accessible yoga to support their physical health, emotional wellbeing and social confidence.

Yes. Individuals are welcome to self-refer, but professional referrals are particularly helpful for people who may need reassurance, encouragement or additional support to get started.

You can refer someone by completing our online referral form. Once we receive the referral, we will:

• Review eligibility

• Contact the participant directly (with consent)

• Provide clear information about the sessions

• Support them to attend their first class

Our sessions are designed for adults who may face barriers to accessing mainstream physical activity, including people living with long-term health conditions, chronic pain, mobility issues, mental health challenges, social isolation, stress or low confidence.

Participants do not need any prior experience of yoga.

The programme is not intended for people requiring specialist clinical rehabilitation and does not replace physiotherapy or mental health treatment. Participants are encouraged to work within their own limits, with clear guidance around safety, choice and consent.

Yoga is generally safe when adapted appropriately. We ask participants to share relevant health information so teachers can offer suitable options. However, yoga is not a replacement for medical treatment, and participants should continue to follow advice from their healthcare professionals.

We provide accessible, inclusive and trauma-informed yoga, adapted to suit a wide range of abilities and needs. Sessions are gentle, chair-based and focus on movement, breath, relaxation and feeling comfortable in your body.

Sessions are friendly, informal and welcoming – the emphasis is on wellbeing, not performance.

Eligibility varies slightly by programme and funding stream, but referrals are typically for:

• Adults aged 18+

• People experiencing physical or mental health challenges

• Individuals who may be socially isolated or lacking confidence

• Those who would benefit from a supportive, non-clinical group environment

If you are unsure whether someone is eligible, please contact us – we’re happy to advise.

Referrals@cumbriayogafoundation.org

This depends on the programme that will suit the participant best.

Yoga on Prescription referred places are offered as a time-limited targeted intervention, usually for a set block of sessions (for example, 6 weeks). This helps people build confidence, experience the benefits, and decide whether they wish to continue independently if appropriate.

Our Accessible Yoga and Yoga in the Community sessions are open ended.

Many of our sessions are free or heavily subsidised thanks to grant funding and donations. Where a small contribution is suggested, this will never be a barrier to participation.

We will always be clear with you and the participant about any costs before starting.

Sessions run in community venues across Cumbria, including libraries, community centres and accessible local spaces. We aim to offer sessions in locations that are easy to reach and feel safe and welcoming.

Current locations and timetables are listed on our website.

All sessions are led by experienced, insured yoga teachers with specialist training in accessible yoga, health-related conditions and inclusive practice. Teachers are supported by Cumbria Yoga Foundation and work within clear safeguarding and professional boundaries.

Yes. We ask participants to complete:

• a Health Questionnaire, and

• a short Starter Survey

Where possible, it’s really helpful if these can be completed with the participant, or shared with them, before their first session, as this helps our teachers prepare appropriately and ensures the participant feels supported from the outset.

Paper versions will also be made available at the session.

We ask participants to arrive around 10 minutes early for their first session. This allows time to:

• familiarise themselves with the space

• complete any paperwork if needed

• make themselves known to the yoga teacher

Our teachers are friendly and approachable and will help participants feel welcome and comfortable.

If you’d like to discuss a potential referral, eligibility, or whether our sessions are suitable for someone you support, please get in touch – we’re always happy to help.

referrals@cumbriayogafoundation.org

01228 934183