Carer Yoga, Wellbeing, Relaxation and Breaks

Caring for your own wellbeing

If you care for someone in the Birmingham area, you may be entitled to free yoga and relaxation sessions. With a variety of locations and times around Birmingham, you can choose the sessions that work best for you.

Relaxation practices like yoga and meditation have proven benefits such as reducing stress, improving sleep and energy levels and increasing vitality. Our sessions are designed to be suitable for all, whether you’ve practised before or you’re interested in trying something new, everyone is welcome.

We know that you probably give a lot of time and energy to fulfil your caring role, this is an opportunity to take some time out for yourself. The good news is, when you look after your own wellbeing, you’ll find that the benefits extend to the person you care for too.

Carers who have attended some of our sessions have been known to say, ‘Today I left with a smile on my face, a bloom in my cheeks, a spring in my step and my spirit renewed’

Yoga

Classes are available in Harborne and online through our partner Barefoot Birmingham. Classes are suitable for all abilities. Whether you’re already a devoted yogi or have never set foot in a yoga studio before, these classes are for you. Find classes and times to suit you by clicking this link HERE.

To qualify for your free carers yoga 10 class pass, please first register with Birmingham Carers Hub. Once you have registered, please contact Barefoot yoga on 0121 426 2633 or email info@barefootbirmingham.com to request your pass and book your first class. For more information about yoga for carers, please visit http://www.barefootbirmingham.com

Relaxation

Birmingham Buddhist Centre’s offers relaxation sessions for Carers where you can learn relaxation techniques and approaches to help you cope better with stress. They also run free tai chi classes for Carers and occasional overnight relaxation breaks.

For more information, go to http://www.birminghambuddhistcentre.org.uk/living-well-working-well/, call 0121 449 5279 or info@birminghambuddhistcentre.org.uk

To take part in any of our yoga and relaxation practices, you simply need to register with Birmingham Carers Hub first then contact the class to book your space.

Carer Breaks

Carefree
Carefree is a national organisation that sources hotel breaks for Carers. To be eligible for this, you will need to be a Carer caring for someone for 35+plus hours a week. Forward Carers will pay the £33.00 admin fee. You can get up to 2 nights break including breakfast, anywhere in the UK and there are lots of local hotels where you could also just take advantage of a night away without worrying about transport or being too far away. You can self-refer online or contact Birmingham Carers Hub to make a referral for you so that the admin fee is paid for you. 

Carers can enjoy a FREE break to Holland House, set in the Worcestershire countryside, near Evesham. Coach travel from the Birmingham Buddhist Centre, accommodation, food, and activities are all included free of charge. The break will include the chance to take part in a range of activities: body-based movements ie. yoga/tai chi, walks, wellbeing spaces, meditation, art activities, and time to enjoy being with other carers away from the city and normal life.

Essential Criteria: You or the person that you care for, need to live in Birmingham, and be registered with Birmingham Carers Hub. Please note – priority will be given to people who haven’t been on a break with us the Buddhist Centre before, or have been on a break in the last 2 years. This is to ensure that everybody can get a chance to access rest and relaxation.

To register your interest in coming on this next break, contact Sunny and the carers team at: carersbreaks14@gmail.com – we will confirm if you have a place, and ask for any accessibility and dietary needs.