Greasbrough residents gathered at St. Mary’s Church Hall on Monday for Mindful Movement, a free session led by dance artist and movement practitioner Hayley Beecher. 

The session, part of the Green and Growing Programme, aimed to connect adults with nature through gentle, yoga-inspired stretches and mindfulness exercises.

The Mindful Movement was created by locals who wanted to spend more time in green spaces. 

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.”

Many of the people who take part in these sessions are retired or over the age of 55. 

Somerset- Ward said: “It’s a privilege to be able to respond to participants’ ideas. 

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

“That was really interesting to hear and something to consider, and the lady was in her 70s.”

Mindful Movement sessions also have a social element. 

“We always have coffee, tea, and cold drinks after the session, and people get a chance to chat.”

The sessions reflect the Green and Growing Programme’s mission to raise environmental awareness and promote creative engagement with Rotherham’s green spaces. 

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

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, December 2nd, from 10:30 am to 12:00pm. More information can be found on the website.