Touching Safe Ground

A safe space for migrant, asylum seeker and refugee women to heal, grow and connect

Blending trauma-informed yoga and English language learning to help women adjust to new lives

Life in the UK as a migrant, asylum seeker or refugee woman often involves facing isolation, language barriers, and the lingering effects of trauma. In this challenging reality, our Touching Safe Ground project provides a safe space where women can find practical support and a sense of community. 

Through trauma-informed yoga and English language lessons, we support women to feel more at home in their bodies, more confident in their voices, and better prepared for everyday life. Sessions provide women with local orientation and wraparound support for their new lives, as well as a chance to build community and reclaim a sense of belonging.

A participatory evaluation of the project found that:

  • 87% of participants report better self-confidence and an increased sense of community

  • 76% felt that their physical health had improved, especially with regards to shoulder pain and back pain

  • 75% of felt that their mental health (including feelings of anxiety and depression) had improved since attending TSG

  • 65% of participants felt more confident in their English language skills

  • "Before coming I felt insecure, now I believe more in myself."

    Andrea

  • "I feel like I can do things again – clean and cook. I have energy to do things. I feel happy."

    Razia

  • "I don't have family in this country so I like communicating with the group. It helps me build my confidence, improves my English."

    Yasmina

  • “When I came I was in pain and very anxious, crying all day, I was depressed. Now I feel more positive, and I plan for the future. Thank you very much for providing these classes, yoga and English. It has changed my life."

    Carmen

  • “I feel less stiff. I am more relaxed and confident. I can pick up my boy.”

    Maryam

  • "It helps you really to look after yourself. You can be very lazy to do something, you may want to do it and may not be able, but when you have the instructor, you get more focused and you get more serious about yourself."

    Cristina

Improving the lives of the newest women in our community

During TSG sessions, participants develop practical tools for improving their wellbeing and self-confidence. Here are some of the benefits experienced by attendees:

  • Lower levels of stress, anxiety and social isolation

  • Improved mood

  • Higher energy levels

  • More confidence to express feelings and needs

  • More open to peer support through an improved sense of trust

  • Learning to prioritise and practice self-care

  • Being more present in the moment

  • Increased health knowledge, such as good sleep hygiene practices  and how to care for different parts of the body

  • Long-term improvements to their physical health, including improved pain management and sleep

Our impact

Read our annual reports for details on our achievements, impact, income, spending and staff.

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