Volunteer Yoga Teacher

About the role

The Creative Arts and Skills Programme (CASP) is a range of classes and groups focused on providing development opportunities for our clients as well as supporting their improved integration into the community. It is a creative outlet, a community, and an opportunity for clients to learn new skills.

The yoga and relaxation class runs weekly and provides an opportunity for our clients to learn breathing techniques to calm their bodies and minds, reduce stress and anxiety and learn strengthening and stretching techniques. This volunteer will alternate with the existing group volunteer each week to guide clients in gentle movements and breathing exercises while creating a welcoming and relaxing environment.

Main tasks and activities

·        Teaching and guiding clients in yoga and relaxation techniques and skills;

·        Using trauma-informed facilitation methods to create a safe and trusting environment;

·        Communicating with the alternate yoga teacher to ensure best support for clients;

·        Preparing and delivering yoga classes that cater to different levels of ability and confidence

·        Adapting yoga classes to ensure they are safe and accessible for clients with physical injuries or difficulties

·        Coordinating the clients and taking the register on a weekly basis;

·        Setting up and packing away the yoga mats and other equipment before and after the session;

·        Maintaining contact with the Community and Integration Manager and raising any issues or concerns relating to client safety and wellbeing.

Skills and experience needed

·        Understanding of, and commitment to, the objectives of the Helen Bamber Foundation;

·        A demonstrable empathy for our vulnerable clients, including asylum seekers, refugees and survivors of torture and trafficking;

·        Yoga skills essential;

·        Understanding of working in a Trauma Informed way (desirable)

·        Experience of teaching or instructing people in yoga;

·       Awareness of confidentiality and the importance of it in regard to our clients;

·        Punctual, reliable and self-motivated with a positive, ’can-do’ attitude;

·        Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;

·        Demonstrable experience of facilitating independently.

What you will get out of the role

·        A strong understanding of how HBF’s integration programmes contribute to the well-being of our clients;

·        An appreciation of the processes and systems that asylum seekers and refugees deal with in the UK;

·        Increased experience and confidence in teaching yoga and relaxation skills;

·        Increased teamwork skills;

·        An ability to multi-task between competing priorities.