As Pilates instructors, we often work with clients in some form of recovery, usually from a physical injury or condition. The results that Pilates makes available to them - peace, alignment, strength, vitality and fun, could be highly beneficial to people in vulnerable situations.
My proposal is to gather a group of Pilates instructors to volunteer our time to provide one-hour mat-work Pilates sessions on location at various organisations around London who are already working in the sector offering their clients recovery activities. I have been talking with a number of organisations -- such as Crisis, St Mungo's, New Hanbury Project -- and there is definite interest in offering this service.
Pilates instructors taking part would not only benefit from the joy of giving back to the community, but also through the experience of working with vulnerable clients, expanding our knowledge and skills in other aspects of recovery, and getting a chance to meet other Pilates instructors in the project to exchange ideas and network.
At this point, I would like to invite Pilates instructors to meet in July and together brainstorm the practicalities of the project: come up with ideas for classes and looking at potential challenges/opportunities, organise a schedule that works for organisations and volunteer instructors and create a space for sharing our experiences.
Update!
I'm very excited about meeting you all and work out how to take the project forward together!
The Pilates Street Meeting is scheduled for Friday July 1st, 4-5pm at Room 109, City Lit, Keeley Street, Covent Garden, London (click for map)
Please use the form below to let me know you're coming, or if you would like to find out more about the project. Really looking forward to meeting you!
xHelena