As some of you may know I am interested in teaching yoga in prisons, and recently took part in a training. There is now a large body of evidence which shows the positive effects of teaching mindfulness-based yoga practice in prisons, not only on physical and mental health but also in reducing reoffending rates. So I have decided to fundraise for The Prison Phoenix Trust, who do amazing work in UK prisons. They encourage prisoners in their spiritual lives through a daily practice of yoga and meditation, working with silence and breath.  

The Prison Phoenix Trust train qualified teachers, establish regular prison classes for both prisoners and staff, air radio yoga classes, send free books and CDs to prisoners who request them, write regular practical yoga columns for prisoner publications among other wonderful wonderful work.

Any donation however big or small will make a difference.                 Thank you xxxxx

Here are ways your donations will help: 

£20 provides everything a prisoner needs to start a practice in their cell

This includes an initial pack of a yoga resource book, a CD, a newsletter and a personal letter. It also includes an additional three newsletters over a year, and the opportunity to correspond with one of our letter writers. This gives the recipient the tools to start a practice that will change and enrich their life.

£50 pays for enough newsletters for an entire prison

This figure will pay for 43 newsletters, including editing, design, production and postage. 43 is the average number of prisoners and staff we keep in touch with in each prison. These newsletters reassure and bring hope to people in prison, and make them feel a part of a community of shared interest and spiritual values.

£100 goes towards a taster yoga and meditation workshop in a prison

A one-off workshop gives prisoners and staff a chance to directly experience the peace and insight that yoga and meditation can bring. It also allows prison managers to see how weekly classes could help the prisoners in their care. Workshops often lead to a regular class being set up, with prisoners learning these disciplines with the support of a qualified teacher over time.