Celebrating Wellbeing in Devon: New HOPE and Yoga4MentalHealth Courses
At Devon Mental Health Alliance, we are delighted to highlight two highly valued wellbeing programmes changing lives across our communities: the HOPE Course (Helping Overcome Problems Effectively) and the Yoga4MentalHealth PCI Yoga & Breathing Course. Delivered in partnership with Step One and supported by the wider Devon Mental Health Alliance. These free programmes offer accessible, evidence‑based support for people living with stress, low mood, chronic conditions, anxiety, fatigue, and social isolation. With new courses now launching in Exeter, Torbay and Newton Abbot, each programme explores a gentle, community-focused approach to improving wellbeing.
Last week, Lead Facilitator Davinia Allbrook provided a Yoga4MentalHealth Taster session, as part of the Live Longer for Better programme. Dee reflected on the taster, “It was lovely to provide a ‘Taster’ and ongoing interest in both the future Yoga4MentalHealth course in April and our HOPE Course in Newton Abbot”.
“As part of the Live Longer for Better program on Friday the 20th of March we provided a Yoga4MentalHealth Taster. It was lovely to provide a ‘Taster’ and ongoing interest in both the future Yoga4MentalHealth course in April and our HOPE Course in Newton Abbot”.
- Davinia Allbrook, Step One
Community feedback from both the taster session and recent courses has been extraordinarily positive, highlighting just how valued these programmes are across Devon. Participants consistently spoke of feeling “relaxed,” “calmer,” and “more aware” after sessions, with many expressing gratitude for Dee’s kindness, enthusiasm, and thoughtful teaching style. The inclusive use of chairs, mats, and simplified variations meant everyone — regardless of ability, experience, or current health — felt fully welcomed and able to participate. People also appreciated the practical resources, such as Dee’s follow‑along videos, which made it easier to bring their new skills into daily life. This sense of empowerment, community connection, and encouragement is exactly what makes the HOPE and Yoga4MentalHealth courses such treasured fixtures within our wellbeing offer in Devon.
Whether you are looking for a gentle introduction to wellbeing practices, hoping to manage a long‑term condition, or simply wanting a supportive community to grow with, the HOPE and Yoga4MentalHealth courses offer safe, welcoming, and life‑changing spaces for anyone in Devon. You can find out more about upcoming courses below.
Upcoming Courses
Yoga4MentalHealth - Exeter
8-week course beginning 20th April 2026, running 10am-11:30am at the X-Centre, Commercial Road, Exeter, EX2 4AD.
Session Dates:
Week 1: 20th April Week 2: 27th April
Week 3: 11th May Week 4: 18th May
Week 5: 1st June Week 6: 8th June
Week 7: 15th June Week 8: 22nd June
*Week 9: 29th June (Optional Breath Ambassador Workshop)
Sign up: Exeter Yoga4MentalHealth Group
Yoga4MentalHealth - Torbay
8-week course beginning 24th April 2026, running 10am-11:30am at the Torbay Foyer, Torquay, TQ1 4DZ.
Session Dates:
Week 1: 24th April Week 2: 1st May
Week 3: 8th May Week 4: 15th May
Week 5: 22nd May Week 6: 29th May
Week 7: 5th June Week 8: 12th June
*Week 9: 19th June (Optional Breath Ambassador Workshop)
Sign up: Torbay Yoga4MentalHealth Group
HOPE: Help Overcoming Problems Effectively
Free, 6-week self management programme beginning 20th April in Exeter.
Venue: X-Centre, Commercial Road, Exeter, EX2 4AD
Time: 1pm - 3:30pm
Session Dates:
Week 1: 20th April Week 2: 27th April
Week 3: 11th May Week 4: 18th May
Week 5: 1st June Week 6: 8th June
Learn more: Hope - MyHealth Devon
Express interest* by email to: davinia.allbrook@steponecharity.co.uk
*Expressions of interest are taken no later than 2 weeks prior to start date
HOPE: Help Overcoming Problems Effectively
Free, 6-week self management programme beginning 28th April in Newton Abbot.
Venue: Buckland Community Centre, Gilbert Road, Newton Abbot, TQ12 4HS
Time: 1pm - 3:30pm
Session Dates:
Week 1: 28th April Week 2: 5th May
Week 3: 12th May Week 4: 19th May
Week 5: 2nd June Week 6: 9th June
Learn more: Hope - MyHealth Devon
Express interest* by email to: davinia.allbrook@steponecharity.co.uk
*Expressions of interest are taken no later than 2 weeks prior to start date