Foundation delivering virtual yoga

• Wigan Warriors Community Foundation expand their online offering
• Weekly yoga sessions already being delivered to children at five schools
• Sessions intended to aid physical and mental health during a challenging period

Wigan Warriors Community Foundation have launched a free online yoga and mindfulness programme for local primary schools. 

The weekly sessions are delivered on Zoom every Tuesday morning at 11am and aim to support children’s physical and mental health. 

The first session of the six-week course took place this week as pupils from St. Andrew’s CE Primary School, Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School in Beech Hill, Beech Hill Primary School, St. Aidans Catholic Primary School and Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School in Hindley Green all took part. 

All the schools joined on one Zoom call and got involved either from home or from the classroom for those who have parents or guardians who are key workers. 

Health and wellbeing manager, Claire Taylor, is a certified yoga instructor and has been working in schools for the past three years, delivering bespoke wellbeing programmes to promote a healthy lifestyle and good mental health. 

She said: “Due to current restrictions our coaches have not been able to deliver sessions in schools, but we were really keen to support local schools through this very difficult period. 

“We understand that some children may be experiencing anxiety at this time and we hope the exercises and relaxation techniques we deliver will equip them with the tools to manage their emotions and increase their resilience.

“We contacted schools and offered delivery on Zoom – the response has been fantastic. Our first session ran smoothly, and it was great to make that connection with schools and see children taking part and having fun.”

PE coordinator at St. Andrew’s Primary School, Phil Sharkey, said: “It was absolutely brilliant. Thank you to the Wigan Warriors Community Foundation for their delivery! The kids loved it and it was pitched perfectly. We can’t wait until next week.”

If you would like your primary school to be involved in the yoga programme, please get in touch with community primary schools partnership officer, Guy Wood, by email at g.wood@wiganwarriors.com.