Yoga for Wellbeing: How Movement and Mindfulness Are Transforming Lives in Andover.

Valley Leisure Ltd, believe that every person deserves the chance to live well – especially those managing stress, low mood, anxiety, depression, trauma or long‑term health conditions. Our Yoga for Wellbeing program provides a calm, inclusive and nurturing space where people can reconnect with themselves, move more, breathe deeply and rebuild their confidence.

© Doda Yoga 2026 & Valley Leisure Ltd 2026

Our latest 12‑week programme, delivered from September to December 2025, brought together individuals living with a wide range of mental health challenges. Every registered participant reported experiencing at least one mental health condition, including low mood (100%), stress (86%), anxiety (86%) and depression (71%). Many also lived with chronic physical conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, diabetes and persistent pain. These circumstances can make everyday life incredibly difficult, yet participants showed courage, commitment and curiosity throughout the course.

Powerful Improvements in Wellbeing

Guided by Yoga Therapist Naomi Hurst from Doda Yoga, and supported by our partners Andover Mind and the Andover Primary Care Network, participants experienced meaningful improvements across key wellbeing indicators:

• Increased physical activity levels and stronger motivation to be active.

• Greater confidence and knowledge about using movement to support mental health.

• Reduced healthcare visits – from an average of 1.3 to 0.8 appointments over four weeks.

• Improvements in life satisfaction, happiness and sense of purpose, with anxiety levels decreasing.

• Enhanced mental wellbeing, physical health, social connection and goal‑setting ability.

These improvements demonstrate the power of using movement and mindfulness together. For many participants, simply taking the first step into the yoga hall marked a significant personal achievement.

Participant Reflections: Real Voices, Real Impact

The words shared by participants reflect just how life‑changing the programme can be:

“The course has transformed my life, allowing me to be more mindful and take ownership of my life choices.”

“I feel more connected to myself and others.”

“Because of yoga I want to move more – I’ve started going for walks around the block!”

These reflections highlight what we describe as the ‘Wellbeing Ripple Effect’. The benefits of yoga continue far beyond the class itself – into family life, personal routines and emotional resilience.

A Programme Built on the Five Ways to Wellbeing

Our Yoga for Wellbeing programme is structured around the national Five Ways to Wellbeing: Be Active, Take Notice, Learn, Connect and Give. Participants rated the course between 4.5 and 4.8 out of 5 across all five domains, reflecting how movement, breathwork and connection combine to support whole‑person health.

Collaborative Working for a Stronger Impact

This program is delivered in partnership with Doda Yoga, Andover Mind and the Andover Primary Care Network’s Social Prescribers. Many participants live in areas of significant deprivation, and collaborative working ensures the program remains accessible, inclusive and supportive to those who need it most.

Join the Next Yoga for Wellbeing Course

We are delighted to announce that the next fully funded 12‑week course will begin in April 2026. The program is suitable for adults living with stress, anxiety, low mood, depression, trauma or long‑term health conditions. No previous yoga experience is required – everyone is welcome.

To register your interest:

Phone: 0300 3731066

Email: info@icanmovemore.co.uk

Website: www.icanmovemore.co.uk

Discover how moving more can help you live well.

This guest Blog has been written by Liz Murray Head of Active Ageing and Hannah May Community Co-ordinator they are both from Valley Leisure Ltd