Yoga Without Barriers: A Pay It Forward Initiative

Aim

I'm launching a Pay It Forward scheme! Donations help keep yoga & meditation accessible by subsidising classes & covering running costs

Yoga Without Barriers: A Pay It Forward Initiative

We believe that the benefits of yoga and meditation should be accessible to everyone, regardless of financial circumstances or personal background. That’s why we’ve launched a Pay It Forward scheme—helping to subsidise yoga and meditation classes for those who may face barriers to accessing wellness spaces.

Soundbodymind is led by Dan Gronan, who facilitates yoga, meditation, and participatory music sessions in diverse communities, including care-experienced youth, New Scots, and individuals in mental health, addiction recovery, and criminal justice settings. His training spans yoga therapy and mindfulness for addiction recovery, trauma-informed yoga for those with lived experience of the criminal justice system, as well as meditation and facilitation of peer support groups for mental health and addiction recovery.

Recently, we launched a weekly community yoga class at Woodlands Methodist Church in Glasgow, supported by Addiction Recovery Minister Rev Laurent Vernet. Our goal is to create a safe, respectful, and inclusive space for those who may typically face barriers to wellness—such as individuals returning to the community, those experiencing financial hardship, people living with mental health challenges, or anyone from marginalised or underrepresented communities.

To help achieve this, we introduced a Pay It Forward scheme, aiming to attract donations that will subsidise classes for those facing financial barriers. Donations will also contribute to running costs—including room hire, teaching, and resources—helping to keep class prices affordable. This initiative promotes accessibility and inclusivity in yoga, ensuring that financial hardship doesn’t prevent people from experiencing its benefits.

This class is designed to be free from judgment and stigma, offering a welcoming, community-focused environment where anyone can participate and feel supported. By fostering a space intentionally oriented towards inclusivity, we aim to help people reconnect with themselves and others, regardless of their circumstances.

When & Where?
Classes take place every Thursday from 12:30–2:00 PM at Woodlands Methodist Church, Glasgow. The session includes 1 hour of yoga (12:30–1:30 PM) with an optional 30-minute meditation (1:30–2:00 PM)

Why This Matters

By supporting this initiative, you help us provide:

• Improved Access & Inclusion – Many people face financial, social, or personal barriers to wellness spaces. Our classes provide a judgment-free, trauma-informed environment, particularly for individuals returning to the community, those in recovery, and people from marginalised backgrounds.
• Enhanced Well-being – Yoga and meditation offer proven benefits for physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. These classes support stress reduction, resilience, self-regulation, and a sense of connection—helping participants feel more empowered in their daily lives.
• Stronger Community & Social Connection – Social isolation is a major challenge for many. This class provides a space where people can come together, reduce loneliness, build trust, and foster a sense of belonging in a supportive community.

Your donation helps cover class subsidies, room hire, teaching costs, and essential resources, ensuring that financial hardship isn’t a barrier to well-being.

Together, we can make yoga and meditation more accessible, inclusive, and empowering for everyone!

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This project successfully funded on 14th May 2025