A NEW yoga and mindfulness class has launched for children near Carlisle.

The weekly sessions, which take place at Scotby Community Centre, started last month.

They are run by physiotherapist Claire Allen and Karen Walker, an occupational therapist, who set up their business, Therapeutic Treehouse, last year following training and lots of research to understand the benefits of both yoga mindfulness.

The pair, who are both from Carlisle, have 16 years experience between them working with children up to the age of 19, and use games, stories, bubbles and songs in their sessions.

Karen told the News & Star: “Our philosophy is to educate children and teach them lifelong strategies they can use everyday.

“We were becoming aware of the growing number of children who were living with worry, stress, anxiety and having difficulties with emotional regulation, resulting in varying behaviours both at school and in the home.

“We wanted to try and help children manage themselves through building resilience, stamina, strength, focus and concentration to help them engage in their daily life effectively and with confidence.”

As part of a number of different activities, Claire and Karen can also help youngsters who require strategies to manage exam stress, and assist with treatments for various health conditions such as dyspraxia and hypermobility.

Both say the yoga treatments - such as breathing exercises, balance, meditation and relaxation - can bring benefits for the children.

Mindfulness activities are also known to bring added help to everyday life.

Karen added: “We also teach mindfulness within each session.

“Mindfulness means paying full attention to something.

“Practising mindfulness trains our attention and can improve attention for just about everybody — including people with ADHD.

“It can help manage our everyday life and focus our attention, it is a useful tool for children who are required to attend and listen to help learning in school.

Two sessions are held at Scotby Community Centre on Saturday mornings, one from a younger group from 9.30am to 10.15am, and another for older attendees between 10.30am and 11.15am.

To get involved, call Claire on 07595642018.