Where: Brockworth Community Centre, Gloucester

When: Wednesday, May 20, 6.45pm to 8.15pm

Yoga and mindfulness classes will be taken by professional teachers as part of an event for local medical charity Cobalt.

The fundraising event will be held during Mental Health Awareness Week on Wednesday, May 20, at Brockworth Community Centre in Gloucester from 6.45pm to 8.15pm.

Tickets are £15 and must be pre-booked with proceeds helping Cobalt in their work to support local people with cancer and dementia.

The event will include being taken on a yoga journey with Sarah Vallance from 'Accessible Yoga with Sarah'. The class is completely accessible for all, anyone can take part with simple moves and breathing all done from the comfort of a chair.

Sarah will be joined by Alice Lowrie, mindfulness teacher, for an inspiring talk with question-and-answer session about the benefits of mindfulness for mental health. This will include a seated body scan meditation.

Sarah said: "A lot of people think that yoga is what you see on social media: flexibility, handstands on beaches and contorting yourself into pretzel shapes, but it's not! It's about finding stillness in your mind and connecting with your body and breath. In an age where everything feels like it's go-go-go, I genuinely believe that everyone deserves to find some rest and stillness."

Alice said: "Mindfulness is for everyone. You can learn to live in the moment whether you are 5, 45 or 95! You can learn to train your brain in a simple, easy and accessible way, which can impact your life for the better.

"By bringing your attention to your breath and your body, you can learn to find stillness in a busy world. Mindfulness has completely transformed my mental health and I'm passionate about sharing this with you."

Mindfulness is about learning to live in the present moment. To just 'be'. With regular practice, participants learn to accept and notice thoughts, emotions and body sensations they may have at any one time. They practice breathing and self-compassion. They allow themselves to slow down and experience life moment by moment. Practising mindfulness regularly can greatly benefit mental health.

For more information about the event and to book tickets go to https://www.cobalthealth.co.uk/event/yoga-and-mindfulness-charity-event/  or contact fundraising@cobalthealth.co.uk  or call 01242 535900. Payment can be accepted by cheque or debit card with the fundraising team or securely online at https://www.cobalthealth.co.uk/yoga-and-mindfulness-event-booking-and-payment-form/