Where Is The Programme Available? 

Yoga4Health Ireland is delivered by experienced yoga teachers who have completed additional training with Yoga in Healthcare Alliance (YIHA). Yoga4Health training is accredited by the Personalised Care Institute (PCI) established by the Royal College of GPs and NHS Improvement (in UK) to accredit training in the sector. Teachers work within a comprehensive policy framework, including safeguarding, equality, and data protection. 

Currently the programme in Ireland is available in The North East (Meath, Louth & Cavan) and South Dublin. It is anticipated that more programmes will come onstream in 2025 across Ireland, subject to training of experienced teachers. 

Please see About: Team Members for your local Teachers or contact us through our Contacts Page to enquire about a programme near you. 

How much does it cost to take the programme?

The Yoga4Health Ireland Programme is operated as a social enterprise and making yoga available to all is one of its core values. Where possible, the programme is offered free (this is subject to funding through bodies such as An Pobal, Healthy Ireland or privately through Corporate Social Funding).  In the absence of funding, the programme will be offered on a sliding scale so that participants can pay  different rates depending on their financial means. 

Where the programme is offered free, participants may be asked for a small deposit which is refunded on completion of the programme. Non refunded deposits will be donated from the group to a locally nominated charity at the end of each course.

What does a Yoga4Health Class Look Like?

The Yoga4Health Programme is an evidence based standardised 10 week programme which is specifically designed to support people at risk of developing a non-communicable disease (NCD) to make changes to their lifestyle through learning new yoga skills. Classes are between 90 minutes to 2 hours weekly for 10 weeks (most programmes will take a midterm break in line with the school year). Classes are highly inclusive in nature -all clients start sitting in the chair and can choose to take the full class in/beside chair or move to the mat or standing. Classes are extremely adaptive in nature so students are offered lots of options in order to support their needs.

The programme is secular in nature, welcoming people of all faith beliefs and is delivered in easy to understand language. Participants learn to self-reflect on how they are feeling and to share the benefits and experiences of their practice with other participants at different points over the course. There is an emphasis on building new social connections and supportive social networks. Clients are encouraged to develop a daily yoga practice. This learning is supported by weekly class videos and recordings.

What Does It Mean that Yoga4Health Ireland is a Social Enterprise?

Yoga4Health Ireland was developed as part of Social Entrepreneur Ireland’s Ideas Academy and the UPower Programme with Meath Leader in 2024. As a social enterprise, it aims to have a positive social impact, sharing the Yoga4Health Programme with those who want to bring about positive lifestyle changes through a daily yoga practice. There is ample evidence to show how people’s health and wellbeing is influenced by socio economic factors. It is our belief that Yoga4Health Ireland can play a part in helping people to live a full, happy and healthy life , particularly those at risk of chronic illness and/or social disadvantage.

Like all social enterprises, Yoga4Health Ireland will operate as any business in terms of governance, transparency and compliance with legislation. However, its focus is not on making a profit but rather on affecting social change by using Yoga4Health to  support people’s physical and mental wellbeing.

How Do I Get Involved?

Are you a member of the public who would like to take this course?  

Check out our list of Yoga4Health teachers in Ireland and contact them directly, to see what’s going on in your area or else contact us directly through our contact page. Maybe you would like to organise a Yoga4Health Programme within your community or social group-contact us and we will try and make this possible for you.

Are you a member of a primary care team? 

Perhaps you are a medical practitioner, nurse, occupational therapist, physiotherapist, medical social worker, social prescriber who sees the value in such a programme in your community.  Contact us and we can organise for a local Yoga4Health teacher to offer a taster class for your team, answer any questions in person and work with you to offer a Yoga4Heath Programme in your locality. 

We measure the outcome of all programme so that together we can start making a difference to those in need of support in the community. Make sure to check out our Research Page for further details. 

Are you a Yoga teacher? 

Are you a yoga teacher with a passion for evidence based yoga and a desire to make a real difference to people in your community. Currently, training is available online from Yoga in Healthcare Alliance.  In order to train as a Yoga4Health Teacher, you must either have 500 hours recognised teacher training or 200 hours training plus 3 years teaching experience. The course is 60 hours (25 hours self-directed learning & 4 full days online)  and accredited through Personalised Care Institute in the UK.