MEET THE TEAM
June Skeggs
My journey has been one of transformation, driven by the healing power of yoga. Once filled with boundless energy and immersed in various sports, my life took an unexpected turn when illness struck. Physical activity began to worsen my condition, leading to collapses and fainting spells. In the midst of this struggle, I found an advert for a 5-day course at the Yoga for Health Foundation at Ickwell Bury. Curiosity led me to give it a try, despite my doubts about enduring a 90-minute yoga asana session given my limitations. I emerged from the experience feeling better than before, which I realised as a result of working with the breath throughout the practice. Incorporating breathwork into my physiotherapy made a huge difference. I was expected to be in a wheelchair permanently more than 20 years ago but, I am not.
I sought to understand why yoga was so beneficial and I embarked on a journey of study, eventually becoming a certified yoga teacher and specialising in Remedial yoga. I was asked to help and share many Multiple Sclerosis (MS) courses by the former director and founder of the Yoga for Health Foundation, Howard Kent, which I did for several years.
Despite our efforts, the Foundation and Ickwell Bury could not be saved, so Yoga for Health and Education Trust (YHET) was created in 2006 to continue its legacy. I have proudly served as a Trustee ever since, focusing particularly on organising transformative events and yoga breaks. My dedication to spreading the therapeutic potential of yoga goes beyond traditional classes. I have reached out to people, including aiding a stressed university student prior to her final exams, supporting a young individual grappling with stress and hearing issues, and engaging with groups such as Trefoil Guild.
The exploration of yoga’s subtle energies led me to profound experiences during courses I attended under the guidance of Dr. Mukund Bhole, research director of a Yoga Institute in Pune, India and respected patron of YHET. Delving into the intricacies of inner yoga opened new dimensions, as I felt the flow of energy through the nadis and beyond, and we continue to incorporate these teachings into YHET.
In these interesting times, authentic yoga will take centre stage in the pursuit of health and well-being. As research continues to validate its benefits, I remain dedicated to my role in making yoga accessible and transformative for all. My journey serves as a testament to the boundless potential of yoga as a catalyst for healing, growth, and inner discovery.
David Cosserat
I have been enjoying the wonders of Yoga for many years. My journey began over 30 years ago when I attended a Meditation session. Its effect was profound. I became happier, calmer and serene. This led me to Yoga Classes. Again the effect was transformational and my whole lifestyle began to blossom and grow.
During my travels around the world and especially in India, I experienced many different types of yoga from the very strong to the soothingly gentle. But in all the different forms that Yoga takes, the underlying themes of inner peace, love and well-being shine through. Living becomes a joy and opens you to the magic of yourself.
I am now director of The Inner Healing School of Yoga , a family run business for over 40 years . The school is based on the philosophy of Yoga is for all, regardless of age, sex, or religious background. Yoga, when properly taught is a therapy which opens you to a higher level of fitness and radiant health.
Over the years I have gained many qualifications:
Diplomas in Yoga, Indian Head Massage and Touch for Health (Kinesiology) and Laughter Yoga. At university I qualified in Film Documentary BA (Hons) and TESOL. And as a Yoga teacher I specialise in Yoga for Sleep (Yoga Nidra) Pranayama (breath work) and the Yoga of Sound (Mantra) both very healing and nourishing.
Alison Francis
I have spent a lifetime teaching most forms of dance to both children and adults. Producing dance shows and preparing those who wanted to enter for exams. I have therefore always had an interest in the body.
I have practised yoga for over 50 years and trained to teach about 25 years ago with the Yoga for Health Foundation which sadly no longer exists.
The Yoga for Health and Education Trust rose like a phoenix from the ashes of the Foundation and we continue to profess that yoga is “For All”
One of my teachers, Bill Feeney, talked about the toolbox of yoga and this resonated with me. We have asana, pranayama, meditation, visualisation and we can select the right tool for each moment in our lives to focus on holistic healing.
I’m deeply passionate about our work in raising awareness that we can all practise yoga at all times in our life.
Our residential weekends, which I help to organise, are designed to be a sanctuary for individuals, whether they come alone or with friends. Here, we strive to create an inclusive space where everyone is warmly welcomed, fostering not only physical well-being but also positive mental health. A chance to meet with like-minded souls and forge friendships.
We have recently adventured into a week’s retreat in France giving everyone longer to turn inward to reevaluate their priorities and time management while escaping from the pressures of 21st century living.
I thoroughly enjoy working as a Trustee of YHET.
Jane Da Costa
YHET has been a valued presence in my life since its inception, sometimes over the years in the background as a comfort blanket I know I can reach for when needed and at other times providing accessible support and actionable solutions for either a mental or physical reset, or both. It’s a privilege to now be appointed a Trustee and to be able to give something back.
I was a part-time yoga teacher when I originally joined YHET, very much in the throws of a corporate career and young family life, with health and wellness being a significant focus in my life following health challenges from a young adult, compounded by injury legacy issues from my mid 30s.
When I left corporate life due to ill health I threw myself into education; learning about the positive and profound impact of movement on our overall health. With my yoga as a solid foundation I qualified as a healthcare practitioner for movement in Pilates as a fully comprehensive instructor able to provide rehabilitation support from illness or injury. I specialise in Women’s Health and have Pre and Post Natal qualifications and I’m a Buff Bones® certified instructor, guiding midlife women to move safely and confidently for better bone health in the management of osteopenia and osteoporosis. I’m fortunate to have had the opportunity to have completed this qualification under the personal instruction of inspirational Buff Bones® founder Rebekah Rotstein.
My purpose and focus is to provide a nurturing, safe space with a focus on whole body health to enable women to flourish through movement, working at their own pace, with enjoyment, care and awareness of their own body. I share the same core values as YHET; nurturing, inclusive, embracing, supportive, inspiring, authentic – and feel intrinsically aligned and ready to step up to the role of Trustee!
I’m deeply passionate about our work in raising awareness that we can all practise yoga at all times in our life.