This Thankful Thursday we say a great big thank you to two new fundraisers

Two Northern Ireland yoga teachers, who have had their usual classes shut down by the impact of the coronavirus, are bringing their services to the public by moving online, raising funds for Action Mental Health as they do.

Julie Osborne and Diana Fyffe have decided to take their love of yoga online, to offer the scientifically-proven therapeutic effects of the ancient practice to their usual students, and the wider public.

Both have also decided to raise money for Action Mental Health in the process, considering the mental health benefits it brings, alongside the physical advantages.

Research has shown that not only does yoga relieves stress and reduces muscle tension, it also reduces inflammation, and calms and centres the nervous system, proving a useful practice tool in psychotherapy. It has also been shown to promote feelings of well-being.

Julie, a yoga instructor based in a Portadown, Co Armagh, said that once the coronavirus pandemic called time on her face-to-face sessions, she wanted to continue to offer classes, during the stressful times of our temporary departure from normal life. She decided however, to waive her fee, in favour of a donation to Action Mental Health.

“I thought if people are still willing to pay, I could ask for a donation to charity, instead.  As many people do initially commence yoga classes to look after their mental health, in addition to their physical health, I thought it most appropriate to help a local mental health charity, where the funds can be put to good use within our NI community,” she said.

To read more and to support Julie’s efforts visit:

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/julieosborneyoga https://www.facebook.com/julieosborneyoga/

Diana, a trainee yoga teacher, usually takes local yogis through her classes in east Belfast but since they had to close to the public she too, is now offering online classes, with the proceeds going to Action Mental Health.

Diana, who founded Peacelife Yoga, above Ronnie’s on the Belmond Road, commented: “As yoga helps so much with mental health, anyone who wants to pay for the classes can donate here, and all the money raised will go to Action Mental Health. So, by attending a class, not only are you doing yourself some good, you’re also raising money for a very worthwhile cause.”

To support Diana’s fundraising efforts visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/diana-fyffe. You can also visit http://www.peacelifeyoga.co.uk/, Facebook: @DianaBFyffe or

Instagram: peacelife_yoga