Positive Movement (PM) is an award-winning gentle exercise approach developed by The Sadie Centre which combines techniques drawn from Adaptive Yoga with the principles and methods of the Alexander Technique and Mindfulness. It is open to anyone over 60 with a mobility problem or who is living with a long-term condition.
PM consists of an hour of movement which is followed by a further ½ hour of time to socialise with members of the group. It is both fun and effective – and it is FREE until March 2025.
To book, contact Clare Chambers at positivemovement@sadiecentre.org or on 01462 410893 / 678804
Mondays *
2-3:30pm
Baldock Community Centre
Simpson Drive
Baldock, Herts, SG7 6DH
Tuesdays *
2-3:30pm
The Sadie Centre,
Rosehill Hospital,
Letchworth, Herts SG6 3NA
(This course is fully booked)
Wednesdays **
2-3:30pm
The Sadie Centre,
Rosehill Hospital,
Letchworth, Herts SG6 3NA
Thursdays *
2-3:30pm
St Martins Parish Centre
St Martins Road
Knebworth, Herts, SG3 6ER
Fridays *
10:30am-12pm
St Thomas’ Church Hall
Bedford Road
Letchworth, Herts SG6 4DU
Wednesdays ***
Starting 27th November 2024
12pm-13:30pm
Westmill Community Centre,
John Barker Place,
Hitchin SG5 2PG
Fridays (starting 22nd November) *
2pm-3:30pm
Baldock Community Centre
Simpson Drive
Baldock, Herts, SG7 6DH
* These programmes have been funded by North Herts Council/UK Shared Prosperity Fund
** This programme has been funded by the Shanly Trust
*** This programme has been funded jointly by The Litchfield Trust and by North Herts Council/UK shared Prosperity Fund.
The tutor, Rebecca Skeel
Rebecca Skeel is an experienced Yoga and Positive Movement teacher, gaining her first Yoga qualification in India in 2014, and 3 years later completing a further 200 hours’ training with Yoga Campus. Rebecca has done additional work in Yoga for Anxiety and Depression and in Anatomy and Physiology with Lesley Kaminoff.
Following her training as a Positive Movement instructor, she has taught many PM classes both online and in person.
The tutor, Brendan Murphy
Throughout his career, Brendan has focussed on helping people attain better physical mental and emotional health. He first qualified to teach Yoga in 2013, and, in 2016 did further advanced (500 hours) training to move to the next level of certification as an ‘Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher’ with the internationally-recognised Yoga Alliance.
Having qualified in and begun teaching Chair-Based Yoga, Brendan trained in Positive Movement in 2018 – and currently teaches it in care homes in Luton as part of an NHS Healthy Ageing programme.
Brendan has a psychology degree and is currently studying for a Masters in Sport and Exercise Psychology.
The tutor, Lynne Gallagher
Lynn’s Yoga teaching experience dates back to 1986 when she taught classes in Adult Education Centres. After a long pause, she refreshed and broadened her skills, obtaining the British Wheel of Yoga teaching diploma (in 2010) as well as a Pilates teaching qualification (in 2015).
In 2016, she trained as a Positive Movement instructor and has since then has been a backbone of the Centre’s PM programme, teaching both online and in the community for the NHS. Her professional development is ongoing: she has recently obtained a BWY NVQ (level 4) qualification in Gentle Years Yoga, and continues to train with the BWY in Pranayama, Meditation and Hatha Yoga.
A short history
Since its development in 2016, PM has been delivered all over Hertfordshire, has been funded by District, County and Borough Councils as well as grant-making trusts, and has won a national award as an effective preventative and self-care method. It is currently commissioned by Bedford/Luton/Milton Keynes NHS for delivery in care homes and in the community.
Research and Benefits
In a survey of 140 people who had participated in the programme for 20 weeks,
· 90% indicated that their energy had improved
· 89% reported that they could move more easily
· 84% said that they were more confident
· 83%, that they were less streed
· 76%, that they had better balance
· 70%, that they were better able to look after themselves
Current & Previous Funders
North Herts Council
Stevenage Community Trust
The Chapman Charitable Trust
The Childwick Trust
The Follett Trust
The Frank Litchfield Charitable Trust
The Harpenden Trust
The Letchworth Civic Trust
The Letchworth Garden City Foundation
The Shanly Foundation
Tesco Stores
Waitrose Stores
Welwyn/Hatfield Borough Counci
Wheathamstead Parish Council
What people have said about Positive Movement
“I would just like to add my thanks for the Positive Movement online classes. They are a fantastic opportunity to participate in well planned beneficial exercises in the comfort and privacy of your own home. Rebecca is a fantastic teacher who provides lots of encouragement and different ways of doing the same exercises so that you can select according to how you feel. The relaxation part is amazing!
The process of getting on to Zoom is straightforward and there are opportunities to ask questions, and have a short chat to others if you want to. It is lovely to see everyone’s smiling faces especially if you are not very mobile and going out is difficult.”
- Ann
“Positive Movement is great. The twice weekly sessions have made such a difference to me, both physically and mentally.
Rebecca, the instructor, is excellent. We are encouraged to exercise at our own pace and ability, and frequently told there is “No judgement.”
I would urge over 60s, with mobility issues, to join us. You will surprised by what you can achieve. The power of the group is strong, and provides great support.”
- Gill
“Before I started Positive Movement I had back pain, and I walked hunched over. I now walk straight and correct my posture. I’ve learnt to look forward and focus in front. The tutor was very patient, helpful, and clear in how we should do things. This has made such a massive difference to my life, and health. My coughing has reduced and I am now able to regulate my breathing, it has helped such a lot. My husband comments he has never seen me with such energy! I looked forward to the classes every week; my confidence has improved so much I’ve even started line dancing!”
- Maggie, 81
“I had a fall before starting the programme and was quite cautious about moving, as it was painful. Positive Movement gave me the confidence to move again without fearing pain – things like getting dressed etc. became possible once again without painful twinges and I now get out and socialise a lot more.”
- Louise, 72
“I am very pleased with Positive Movement and the ideas behind it. It gets me out of the house, and brings people together. I can see others and myself improving week on week. Lots of older people have mobility issues and are lonely and could benefit from this programme.”
- Bob, 68
“I am 85 years old and use a wheelchair. I find Positive Movement has helped me to maintain my flexibility and fitness, and my balance is improving because of the exercise I have done. I liked the class sizes being small, as this enables the tutor to give focussed individual attention, which I feel is important.”
- Josie, 85
“It’s been a wonderful experience. Camaraderie is lovely. Exercise is so very important for our age group, and anything that gets us oldies moving is good. Using Positive Movement is a positive way forward in achieving that goal. I thoroughly enjoy it.”
— Annie, 69
“This programme is very good, the tutor is excellent and I feel it is of benefit to me. It has really helped my rheumatism, my back and my posture in general. I now feel much more confident and able to garden, move and stretch. My general confidence when out and about has also improved greatly.”
- Brian, 83
“My fear of falling has lessened because I am more aware of how I stand, sit, lean and so on. It also makes me more aware that I am not the only person with movement problems, and it is so good to get out and meet other people. The weekly sessions give me a focus to get out and do something, and as a result i have signed up for an additional group activity. Absolutely fantastic, would thoroughly recommend it.”
- Shirley, 76
“When I leave the Positive Movement sessions I feel as if I am floating on air! I have bad ankles and the exercises have helped enormously. I also have pain in my ribs following cancer treatment and the breathing exercises have helped me a lot to reduce the pain that I experience. It’s a lovely group and I really feel the benefit. In my opinion the psychological benefits are just as important as the physical ones because if you feel well, relaxed, not stressed, you are less likely to feel ill physically.”
- Joyce, 70
