

At BDCPS we have recognised the increasing demands on our parent/carers, which have increased in recent years. We have a programme of therapeutic sessions for parent carers with an aim of reducing isolation, improving their health and well-being and increasing their resilience. Sessions will include a combination of reiki, yoga, music therapy, mindfulness and meditation and will aim to give parent carers a small window of complete relaxation to help recharge their batteries and enable them to continue their often challenging caring role. A family support worker will be on hand to facilitate the session and provide refreshments and support for parent carers.
WELLBEING WALKS
Getting outside in the fresh air, no matter what the weather, is so good for the mind and body! Our wellbeing walking group is a popular weekly activity. We meet at a location that has a café and accessible walk and always finish the walk off with a cuppa and chat. It is a lovely way to meet other parent carers, and lift your spirits!
Walks change locations each week so check your emails and social media for this!
When: Tuesday’s term time only, 10:30am – 12:30pm
Where: TBC – changes weekly
Cost: £1 to include a cuppa!

YOGA
BDCPS are now running restorative yoga sessions for parent carers. Restorative/Nidra yoga is a very restful practice that is suitable for all people, from complete beginners to those with an established yoga practice.
It is all about slowing down and opening your body through passive stretching. With a restorative yoga class, you may hardly move at all, doing just a few postures over the course of the class to be able to completely relax and embrace the power of rest. Restorative yoga can be a completely different experience than most other styles of yoga. The benefits are increased relaxation and calming the nervous system which can lead to improved sleep. Research has shown that this style of yoga can improve general well-being and reduced pain.
We will combine restorative yoga with yoga nidra, which is a type of guided meditation that anyone can do to promote a reduction in stress and anxiety. This can help to improve the immune system and restful sleep.
When: Wednesday’s term time only, 1:15 – 2:45pm
Where: Kempston Cutler Hammer Sports & Social Club
Cost: £5

KNIT NAT CRAFT CHAT
An online ‘Zoom’ meet up group for parents and carers to join in the comfort of their own homes. We alternate between workshops lead by Hannah, and drop in sessions. Drop in sessions or ‘The Chatty One’ is where you can bring your own activity of choice along and just enjoy a drink and chat with other parent carers.
If there is a workshop, details will be sent of the activity, and you just have to sign up! All materials and teaching will be providing and the cost will vary between £5 & £10 depending on the activity.
When: Fortnightly on Tuesdays at 19:45
Where: Zoom
WORKSHOP & DROP IN DATES:
November’s Knit Nat Sessions
Tuesday 1st Chatty Knit Nat 19:15 – 21:15
FREE
Bring your own craft (or just a cuppa) and natter for a while with other BDCPS parents (and the occasional pet cat).
Tuesday 15th Led Craft 19:15 – 21:15
£5 with the materials delivered to you
Gonk workshop
Tuesday 29th Chatty Knit Nat 19:15 – 21:15
FREE
December’s Knit Nat Sessions
Tuesday 13th Led Craft 19:15 – 21:15
£5 with the materials delivered to you
Needle Felted Bunting
Needle felting is the art of repeatedly stabbing wool with a needle to create a firm structure
It’s a great stress release and you end up with something beautiful!
All sessions are available for you to book in Parent & Carer classes https://app.joinin.online/#/app/joinin/organisation/shop/week%20calendar/129/c170af17-d9d7-413f-97f7-ab60a662576c If you need any help with bookings please just ask.

ART & CRAFT
The art and craft workshops have been hugely popular. We have had painting workshops, floral workshops and other fabulous crafts including wooden houses and Easter wreaths! These are not a regular activity so look out for emails to see what we have coming up and make sure you don’t miss out on booking. If you have any queries about what is coming up next, please email janeh@bdcps.org.uk.


FESTIVE CANDLE WORKSHOP – FULLY BOOKED!
On Monday November 21st (at the yurts at happy Body Project, Wilstead) we have a festive candle and 3 scented wax tree decs workshop. This is now FULLY BOOKED but if you wish to be added to the waiting list please let us know.
OTHER RELAXATION:
We also include sessions for relaxation. Angie has run relaxation sessions for us, and we have also had sound bath sessions from the wonderful Nathan Sounds and Jolly Beats! We will keep you posted of any upcoming sessions.
