We are passionate about empowering people and communities to embrace mindful movement for a happier and healthier lifestyle.
Healthy Communities, Healthy City, Healthy Planet
Feedback from our South Asian Women's class
I get so much from the classes I like the meditation at the end. It make me feel very relaxed and energetic It has given me a pain free body which has enabled me to be more focussed in other areas of my life.
I find yoga a great way to get my thoughts together and help me concentrate for long periods. It's a good way to help me keep fit
Read the evaluation here
What we do
We empower communities facing health inequalities to embrace mindful movement for a happier, healthier lifestyle.
How we do it
We work with inclusive, approachable teachers to provide free classes to people who would otherwise be unable to access them.
We are a trusted source of expertise, advice, training and education in mindful movement (yoga, tai chi, qigong, pilates and other related practices.)
Read about our community work
Why we do it
Health inequalities in Brighton and Hove are stark and troubling. People in the most deprived areas of the city are more likely to live with ill health than their counterparts in wealthier areas.
We believe
that mindful movement (yoga, tai chi, Pilates etc) has an important role to play in addressing these disparities.
Yet people facing the greatest health inequalities do not have access to classes either because they are too expensive, too far away or do not cater for their needs.
Why mindful movement?
Research has shown that mindful movement such as yoga, qigong, tai chi and Pilates can offer a low-cost way of reducing stress and anxiety, lifting mood, lowering blood pressure, improving heart problems, respiratory problems and chronic pain.
These are the very conditions that pose the greatest health burden in the most deprived areas of the city.
Who we work with
BNHF provides qualified teachers
and free and low-cost classes in mindfulness, relaxation techniques, yoga, tai chi, pilates, dance and similar activities.
About Brighton Natural Health Foundation
Brighton Natural Health Foundation (BNHF) is the new name of Brighton Natural Health Centre (BNHC), a registered charity No. 290122 founded by Infinity Foods in 1981 as its educational arm. Its charitable object is ”to promote and advance the education of the public in the field of healthcare, nutrition and related subjects”.
Since 1982 BNHC has promoted the benefits of all-round health for body, mind and planet with a special focus on mental health and wellbeing. We have provided numerous free and paid classes for multiple users, including young adults with learning difficulties; people experiencing homelessness; female refugees, migrants and asylum seekers; female trauma survivors; and long Covid sufferers.
Partners
We firmly believe in partnership work to help us make mindful movement accessible to all
We are supported by public health and communities, Equality & Third Sector Teams at Brighton & Hove City Council as well as the following organisations:
Brighton Yoga Foundation (BYF)
- a registered charity which for many years has run a highly successful weekly programme of community outreach classes for mental health, homelessness, and recovery from trauma and abuse.
Sussex Mindfulness NHS centre
aims to improve the wellbeing and mental health of all people who can benefit from mindfulness by running programmes, training teachers, and conducting research.
Together Co
A loneliness charity that creates connections to change lives through befriending, social prescribing and volunteering in Brighton & Hove and beyond.
Hangleton & Knoll Project
- a registered charity which for many years has run a highly successful weekly programme of community outreach classes for mental health, homelessness, and recovery from trauma and abuse.
Jing Advanced Massage and Training
is a hands-on & on-line massage training school, that has been revolutionising the massage industry in the UK since 2003. It is recognised internationally as a centre of excellence.
Lovebrook
An ecological wellbeing project in the South Downs; market garden, orchard, therapeutic wellbeing days, farm shop, and plans for a forest garden, rewilding, chalk grassland, woodland planting and camping.
East & Central Brighton Primary Care Network
Primary Care Networks (PCNs) bring GP practices together with other local services – such as community, mental health, social care and the voluntary sector to look after local populations.