St George Community Mental Health

The St. George Community Health yoga program began as a personal project of Hahra and evolved to receive funding and support from TYF (The Yoga Foundation) This chair based yoga program was accessed by individuals in the local (SESIAHS) area who had a connection to the St.George Hospital Mental Health Service.

The weekly class included inpatients from the Psychiatric ward in the public hospital (sometimes with nursing escorts) and people living in the community, their carers and support people. It was also attended by staff from Aftercare, PHaM’s and Community Health who participated in the yoga class too.

It was a very diverse group and many participants spoke English as a second or third language, which necessitated creative communication. Many older carers in attendance had other chronic health issues that required special attention. The program continued successfully with ongoing funding for over 5 years and allowed Hahra to more deeply understand the experience of working with CALD communities.