Our care For your child Therapeutic yoga We use the 8 limbs of yoga to support the health and wellbeing of children and their families; the practice involves a combination of different activities which work to support your child holistically; singing, eye exercises, breathing exercises/ breath support, physical postures and movements, massage and relaxation. If your child has been referred for Yoga therapy, please contact Aphrodite Economou or speak to another member of staff for your child to be referred. Although we honour the roots of yoga in the ‘Yoga for the special child’ model that we use at Haven house we are not practising under any religious or political framework. There are several benefits of this approach with children with special needs: PhysicallyYoga can improve muscle strength, coordination, and balance. It can increase motor function, promote flexibility, and improve postural alignment. Yoga can reduce hyperactivity/ hypertonia, relax muscles, and promote calm and organised mental states. It can also support digestive and immune function. Yoga can support the respiratory system by encouraging more regulation and depth of the breath and therefore increased circulation and reduced stress. Yoga can also support children to feel more empowered and give them choice over how they use their bodies. Emotionally it can support emotion regulation and reduce anxiety- supporting children to feel calmer. There is evidence that emotional states can become co-regulated through mind body practice like yoga so there can be benefits in mood for carer and child simultaneously. Socially Yoga gives an opportunity for bonding to your child in a different way and can increase the attunement between carer and child. Doing yoga in a group session gives children and carers the opportunity to interact with others. Adaptations Practices are always adapted to suit the physical, emotional or cultural needs of your child/ family. We sometimes sing songs to the children along with clapping movements and hand gestures – If you would prefer us to sing songs or prayers from your culture, language or religion or nursery rhymes we would be happy to. Touch - Children are fully clothed for the practice and supportive touch and mobilisation occurs on the limbs, trunk, neck and head. If there is anywhere on these areas that you do not wish to be touched or moved please let us know. Gender - We work with all genders however if it is not appropriate in your culture of religion for mixed gender sessions you can request a chaperone, or we can seek an alternative where possible. Time of practice - there may be times of the day, week or year that practicing yoga is not appropriate for your family- please do let us know if this is the case for you. If we carry out home visits you may have specific guidelines, rules or routines in your environment- for example you might not want people to wear shoes in the home, or you might need to pray at certain times, or do not wish for music to be played. We will endeavour to always ask and enquire about practices personal to you and try where possible to adapt. Therapeutic Yoga options: Block of ten one to one sessions at Haven House, Home, or school Little ones yoga group (By referral only and for smaller/younger children and babies) Fortnightly Wednesdays 10:30-11:30 at Haven House for children not accessing schoolmonthly Saturdays 11-12 for those who cannot attend the groups in the week i.e. if your child is at school Girls Yoga- for ambulatory girls aged 7-18 - 10-10:45am Monthly Saturdays Adhoc one to one yoga whilst your child is accessing inhouse respite Group information and guidelines Sessions involve singing, breathing exercises, gentle physical movements, relaxation and massage. As the child’s carer you will need to be present and work with them throughout the whole session You know your child best and you are an expert in their experience. This means you understand how their bodies work and what their strengths and challenges are, as well as what makes them more comfortable and how to comfort them if they get upset Please bring everything you know about them into the sessions Make sure your child is warm enough and comfortable. Having a mat or blanket underneath them is a good option, and a blanket and cushion handy for relaxation. I just wanted to say a huge thank you the yoga sessions. I was amazed at the progress. I've honestly never seen him so relaxed and feeling his muscles. I had a very happy and relaxed little guy for the rest of the afternoon no tears at all. Parents must accompany their children to the sessions.