Meet Our Wellbeing Co-Workers

What I Offer Out of the Haven:

I am dedicated to supporting families through every stage of the childbirth journey and beyond. Through evidence-based Childbirth Education, Hypnobirthing Classes, and Women’s Circles, I offer a nurturing space for education, empowerment, and healing. Additionally, my work in trauma recovery, Reiki, and shamanic practices offers holistic support for those seeking deeper healing and connection.

Why I Choose to work Out of the Haven?

The Haven has been a cornerstone in my personal growth, offering a community and environment that aligns perfectly with my values. I am continually inspired by the transformational work that takes place here, and I feel privileged to contribute to a space that supports individuals, families, and communities in such profound ways. Being part of the Haven allows me to share in a mission that I deeply admire and believe in.

My Best Wellbeing Advice.

Be gentle with yourself. We often are our own harshest critics, but when we learn to let ourselves off the hook, we unlock the key to true wellbeing and healing. Also, that you don’t have to navigate this journey alone—community is powerful. At the Haven, there’s wisdom and support for every stage of life, from the womb to our later years and everything in between. I would say, embrace it all! 

About This Class:

The Alexandar Technique.

Why do you choose to work for the haven?

It promotes community, kindness, love, balance and harmony – all in a central location..

What is you best wellbeing advice.

Living a life where we are in touch with our physical and mental selves because awareness is key to undoing unhelpful mind /body misuse patterns that arise in our day to day lives. The Alexander Technique helps us recognise these and gives us choice, freedom and ease in movement with less effort as we come back to what nature gave us. We can then live with a spring in our step, embracing what life offers.

About This Class:

I’m a fully qualified Shiatsu practitioner and a Qi Gong instructor. I offer shiatsu treatments and teach QI gong on a Sunday evening. Shiatsu is a powerful, energetic Japanese body therapy (shiatsu means finger pressure ), strongly rooted in Chinese Medicine (TCM). It mainly uses pressure of the hands. In Eastern thoughts, Shiatsu embraces the philosophy of the Yin and the Yang, the energy meridians (channels ), the 5 elements and the concept of Qi, energy. It addresses the physical, mental emotional and spiritual aspects of the human. QI gong is an ancient Chinese practice that promotes health and wellbeing. It combines a meditative state, breathing and slow movement.

Why do you choose to work for the haven?

I had been recommended the Haven long time ago . But as everything in life it entered my life when I was ready. I have a thing for Stonehaven but most importantly I love the community spirit. I feel part of a big tribe and working from The Haven doesn’t feel like work. The Healing Room is a place ale where time is suspended. And the Yoda studio feels like a big embrace when you walk into it.

What is you best wellbeing advice.

Your body knows the key to open the door to your self. With a bit of silence, time for you it will guide you back to your true self. All we have to do is take the time to listen.

About This Class:

I offer Adult Dancefitness – A 45minute moderate impact, fun follow along dance cardio and strengthening class with a long relaxing stretch to finish!

BoogieBops – A fun filled early years gross-development class for toddlers aged 18 months to 3 years, that aims to develop their social skills, confidence and physical movement.

Why do you choose to work for the haven?

Following a visit to the Haven and a welcoming meeting, I fell in love with the aura of the space and positive commitment to the community that the Haven offer. Its a great space in the heart of my home town where I can provide fun and exciting new classes!

What is you best wellbeing advice.

No matter what, always put your happiness first. Life can throw many challenges our way, but making time for yourself will in turn lighten the load.

About This Class:

We offer accessible musical mayhem (in a gently structured way). With its roots in West African Malinke tradition, we teach percussion to small groups, developing drumming skills and confidence, progressing to performance level where appropriate. The aim of our work is to share the complex rhythms of this region that have been taught to us, respecting the roots and traditions of the music. We have fun while we do it!

Why do you choose to work for the haven?

The Haven is an inclusive space, respecting all of the needs of the group and the importance of the origin of the musical traditions we enjoy and teach. The space is welcoming, clean and calm but it allows us to stir up high energy levels within that space.

What is you best wellbeing advice.

Explore new ideas. If it’s easier for you seek inclusive groups and other people to help you dip your toe into new experiences. Accept that not everything you try will be a good fit for you, not every person you meet will be somebody you wish to share that experience with, but every experience will enrich your life, and your presence will enhance the experience for others.

About This Class:

I teach yoga. I have been practising yoga since 2000 and qualified as an Iyengar yoga teacher in 2008 with Iyengar Yoga (UK) and I am continually developing and learning through my own practice, teaching, and attending workshops. I enjoy the detail and precision of the Iyengar approach together with the health benefits of strengthening the body, building stamina and improving flexibility. Every class is different, focusing on different areas of the body and using equipment to explore poses. I encourage body awareness and connection with the breath. This allows students to progress safely at their own pace, no matter what their experience. Iyengar yoga promotes a firm foundation for health and well-being.

Why do you choose to work for the haven?

It’s a beautiful calm space with a good energy. I’ve been part of The Haven since the early days and really enjoy spending time there, both teaching my own class and attending other events. There’s a connection and shared ethos with the team at The Haven, which seems to be reflected by those who come to classes. Having a dedicated yoga studio in our local community, and one that is well equipped and cosy, is a rare treat.

What is you best wellbeing advice.

Make time for yourself, find the thing that gives you that sense of ‘timeout’, something restorative for the mind and body, be it yoga, walking, drawing, gardening, singing, whatever. Then do your best to fit it into your life regularly. For me, besides yoga, it’s being outdoors, and taking time to observe nature. Also try new experiences when you can, the little buzz and sense of achievement you get from being brave enough to at least give it a go can be a great boost.

About This Class:

I teach yoga at The Haven. My teaching draws on several types of yoga with each class blending breath, movement, postures and stillness to create greater flexibility, strength and focus. I like to think of yoga as an opportunity to bring together mind, body and heart in the present moment which always feels like the perfect antidote to modern life.

Why do you choose to work for the haven?

As much of my yoga teaching has taken place in church and village halls, I was really excited to join an authentic yoga and well-being space that has been carefully created for the community. I love welcoming my students into the beautiful and well-equipped yoga studio, it definitely creates the perfect setting for some much needed relaxation. I am quite new to teaching at The Haven but I am looking forward to being part of a team that is so dedicated to supporting our community.

What is you best wellbeing advice.

Become intimate with your own mental and emotional well-being. Learn to check-in with yourself and recognise when you’re stressed or have gone into fight or flight mode unnecessarily. Find an activity or strategy that helps you to deal with the busy or stressful moments. For me, it’s definitely Yoga and spending time outside in nature, that improves my mental and physical health. These activities get me out of my busy head and back into the present moment where I immediately relax and begin to feel happier. So finding out what works for you could be key for attaining optimal health and well-being!

About This Class:

I am a fully qualified Bowen Technique Therapist. I also offer Hopi ear candling and Scar Release Technique.

The Bowen Technique is a hands on therapy that works over the fascia, bones, muscles and connective tissue. It is a gentle therapy and can be given to anyone from birth to the elderly.

Why do you choose to work for the haven?

I have been at the Haven since it first opened. the healing room is a relaxing, safe, space, to work from; and more importantly I love the ethos behind the haven and what it stands for in the community.

What is you best wellbeing advice.

Eat a balanced diet, aim for a good nights sleep. Exercise daily (even if it’s a short walk) and get outside in the fresh air when you can. And lastly find help when you need it whether that’s having a cuppa with a friend or booking in for a bowen treatment.

About This Class:

We are a Buddhist meditation group. Allowing people the chance to learn about meditation and Buddhism.

Why do you choose to work for the haven?

I have always found the Haven to be a peaceful place and it’s an ideal space to meditate in.

What is you best wellbeing advice.

Daily meditation helps to still the mind and bring a sense of calm into your life.

About This Class:

Tai Chi – Xianwu Wudang style

Why do you choose to work for the haven?

The Haven is the perfect place to teach the ancient art of Tai Chi because Tai Chi promotes harmony and balance, as does The Haven.

What is you best wellbeing advice.

Move your body to calm your mind! Mind and body are the yin and yang of each other.

Yin (mind) still and calm Yang (body) moving. Most people have overactive minds and bodies that don’t move enough causing mental exhaustion and body weakness. Releasing tensions and blockages in the body aids in internal flow bringing mind and body back into balance.

When mind and body are in harmony the spirit is restored.