A free ‘mindful movement’ session was held in Greasbrough, Rotherham on Monday to improve the health and wellbeing of residents.

Attendees gathered at St. Mary’s Church Hall and took part in gentle, yoga-inspired stretches and mindfulness exercises as part of the Green and Growing Programme.

The programme was created by Flux, a community project organisation that focuses on art projects and events in Rotherham.

Allison Somerset-Ward, 60, Creative Engagement Officer of Flux Rotherham, said: “The conversation about Mindful Movement sessions came about when I met a friends’ group in Greasbrough Park. 

“We were talking about what happens in the park, what sorts of activities take place there, what they enjoy doing, and what they’d like to do in the future—and how we could support them in doing that.

“One of the ideas was to do yoga-type exercises—not dashing about, but gentle exercises and movements, with an emphasis on health and well-being.”

The Green and Growing Programme works with community partners and individuals to raise awareness on climate change.

They worked with The Mindful Movement, which was created by people who wanted to spend more time in green spaces.

Initially held outdoors, the sessions have now moved indoors as the weather gets colder.

Many of the participants of these sessions are retired or over the age of 55. 

Ms Somerset-Ward explained that in her session on Monday, one participant said they would really like to do something around ballet movement. 

She said: “It’s a privilege to be able to respond to participants’ ideas.

“That was really interesting to hear and something to consider, and the lady was in her seventies.”

The last session was led by dance artist and movement practitioner Hayley Beecher, who has over 22 years of experience in the arts.

Mindful Movement also has a social element. Each session is followed by refreshments, giving people the time and space to talk.

With Rotherham’s rural landscape covering over 70% green space, the programme seeks to raise awareness of the climate emergency and encourage positive changes.

The next event is on Monday, 2 December, from 10.30am to midday. More information can be found on Flux’s website.