Free Restorative Yoga Sessions Continue Across Northamptonshire Thanks to Sport England Funding

People affected by cancer across Northamptonshire are being encouraged to improve their physical and mental wellbeing by attending free restorative yoga sessions delivered by Ailsa's Aim in partnership with Coached by Jack.

Thanks to funding from Sport England, the charity is providing six months of free restorative yoga classes in Higham Ferrers, Kettering and Wellingborough, with additional sessions available in Olney and Bedford, ensuring people across the wider region can access specialist wellbeing support at no cost.

The sessions are open to anyone who has been affected by cancer, whether they are undergoing treatment, recovering, living with the long-term effects of cancer or in remission. Carers are also warmly invited to attend, recognising that a cancer diagnosis affects the whole family.

Unlike traditional yoga classes, restorative yoga focuses on gentle movement, breathing and relaxation, making it suitable for all fitness levels and abilities. Participants often experience improvements in sleep, reduced anxiety and stress, increased mobility and flexibility, reduced fatigue, better balance and an overall improvement in quality of life.

There is no need to book. Participants are simply invited to turn up on the day. Those attending are welcome to bring a yoga mat, although mats are available to borrow if needed.

Sara Whatley, CEO and Co-Founder of Ailsa's Aim, said: "Cancer changes every part of your life, not just your health. Many people experience anxiety, fatigue, reduced mobility and a loss of confidence throughout treatment and recovery. These classes are about giving people an hour where they can simply focus on themselves, surrounded by others who understand their journey.

"The feedback we receive is incredible. People leave feeling calmer, stronger, more relaxed and, perhaps most importantly, less alone. We're so grateful to Sport England for making these sessions possible and to Coached by Jack for delivering them with such compassion and expertise."

Jack Buchan, Founder of Coached by Jack, added:

"Fitness isn't about lifting the heaviest weights or running the fastest mile. It's about helping people become healthier, happier and more confident in their own bodies, whatever their starting point. Working alongside Ailsa's Aim to deliver these restorative yoga sessions is something I'm incredibly passionate about because we see first-hand how gentle movement can transform someone's physical and mental wellbeing during and after cancer treatment. If we can help someone sleep better, reduce their pain, improve their mobility or simply leave with a smile on their face, then we've made a real difference. Exercise should be accessible to everyone, and I'm proud that together we're removing barriers and giving people the opportunity to improve their health completely free of charge."

Ailsa's Aim has become one of the UK's fastest-growing cancer and neonatal charities, supporting thousands of families every year through a wide range of completely free services.

The charity provides care packs for adults, teenagers and children undergoing cancer treatment, as well as parents with babies receiving care on neonatal units. It also supplies free RADAR keys to help disabled people access accessible toilets across the UK, Worry Monsters to support children's emotional wellbeing, mobility equipment, skincare sessions, wellbeing activities and a fully accessible respite holiday caravan, giving families facing cancer or a neonatal journey the opportunity to enjoy a much-needed break together.

With demand for its services continuing to rise, the charity is actively seeking funding to expand its support even further and launch additional projects that will benefit families affected by cancer and neonatal care across the UK.

Sara added: "We never want cost to be a barrier to support. Every new project we launch is driven by the needs of the families we support, and we're already developing exciting new initiatives that will help even more people. As demand continues to grow, we're always looking to work with businesses, trusts, foundations and community groups who share our vision. If you'd like to help us make an even bigger difference, we'd love to hear from you."

Anyone interested in supporting Ailsa's Aim through funding, sponsorship or partnership opportunities is encouraged to contact [email protected].

For more information about the charity and its free services, follow Ailsa's Aim on social media or visit the charity's website.

There is no referral required, no booking needed for the yoga sessions, and everyone affected by cancer is welcome.