Bending, Not Breaking: Finding a Moment of Peace for Dundee’s Carers
In the quiet corners of community centres across Dundee, something remarkable happens every week. The heavy bags are set down, the constant "to-do" lists of caregiving are paused, and for sixty minutes, a group of people who spend their lives looking after others finally get to look after themselves.
We recently wrapped up another 6-week programme with the Dundee Carers Group, and the feedback we received wasn’t just about yoga poses—it was about the vital necessity of a "nourishing environment" for those who give so much of themselves to our city.
Being a carer often means living in a state of constant alertness. It means dealing with unpredictable schedules, physical strain, and the mental weight of responsibility. As one staff member from the Carers Group noted, “Carers rarely have opportunities to prioritise time for themselves, and many would not otherwise be able to afford yoga or meditation classes.” This is where we come in.
Our outreach team—Rachel, Andi, and Min—understand this reality. They don't just teach "classes"; they create non-judgmental spaces. They know that a carer might arrive late because of a medical appointment, or that a specific posture needs to be adapted for a chronic health condition. They offer patience instead of pressure.
"I was amazed by the depth..."
One participant shared how the sessions helped them address the "stress and tension held in the body." They described the environment as "welcoming, nourishing, and relaxed," noting that the teacher offered not just movement, but a way to take responsibility for their own long-term wellbeing.
Another participant told us: “I really enjoyed the yoga. It was something completely different and easy to follow... I would highly recommend the programme. Thank you for making it possible to be part of it.”
This isn't just one group. Over the course of these blocks, we have reached 90 participants across Dundee, ranging in age and background but united by a need for resilience. Our team is providing the tools—breathwork, mobility, and meditation—that help people keep going.
Not only have we had wonderful feedback, but we have also been told by the development worker liaison that people who come for our sessions will stay and find out about other ways that carers can be supported, whether it is through advice, grants, or other projects and activities they can be part of.
Why We Are Fighting to Save This
As many of you know, this work is currently under threat. The funding that allows us to go to the carers, rather than asking them to come to us, is at risk.
When we talk about our £50,000 shortfall, we aren't just talking about a budget line. We are talking about the "at home self-care practices" that these carers have just started to learn. We are talking about the "spiritual, mental, and physical" lifeline that 90 people in this block alone relied upon. We created recordings specifically so groups like this can continue their practice at home, giving our time together some real longevity.
If our outreach programme ends on April 1st, these "nourishing environments" disappear.
How You Can Help
We have until September to ensure that the next group of carers in Dundee gets the same opportunity to breathe, heal, and find strength.
Share this story to show the impact our team—Rachel, Andi, and Min—has on the ground.
Advocate for us. Tell your local leaders that preventative health services for carers are not a "luxury"—they are a necessity for a healthy Dundee.
Thank you for helping us keep these mats rolled out for those who need them most.