Training offered to yoga teachers

The Prison Phoenix Trust does not train people to teach yoga, but rather how to work effectively in prison and other secure conditions. We are grateful for all current and past prison yoga teachers for passing on their experience of works in prison and what doesn’t.

Our training covers issues that teachers face when working in prison such as:

• Rapport with prisoners, prison officers and staff
• Authority and professional boundaries
• Adapting yoga to meet all needs
• The importance of silent breath-based meditation
• Sex offenders and drug and alcohol rehabilitation
  
• Current issues affecting prisons and prisoners
• How to start up a class.

There are periodically training days on specific issues such as:

• Keeping control of your prison class
• Teaching young offenders
• Yoga and addiction
• Accrediting your yoga class.

What’s coming up

The Mental Health of Prisoners and the Role of Yoga and Meditation,
Saturday 24^th March, 9.30 - 4.00
Summertown Church Hall, Banbury Road, Oxford OX2 7ED
£15 
Prisons hold some of the most vulnerable and mentally unhealthy populations anywhere. Epidemiological studies agree that the prevalence of serious personality disorders, drug and alcohol dependence, suicidal and self harming behaviourabd all forms of mental illness (both psychotic and neurotic) is alarmingly high. Much higher than the general population.
What do we as yoga teachers need to be aware of given the fragile mental health of prisoners? And how can yoga and meditation be best adapted for our students, many of whom will have mental health issues? This training explores these questions and is primarily for prison yoga or meditation teachers, though places are available for yoga teachers interested in prison work.

Waking Up in Prison,
Scotland: Saturday 3^rd March, 9.30 - 4.00
The Orchard, Kilgraston, Bridge of Earn, Perthshire
£15
Ireland: Saturday 28^th April, 9.30 - 4.00
Marino Institute of Education, Griffith Avenue, Dublin 9
€20
Each week, dozens of prisoners write to the Trust. They say how much yoga and meditation are helping them to make meaningful change, to see the world in a radically different way, and to wake up to themselves. This day is for teachers already working in prison and those interested in finding out more. We will explore why prisoners find yoga and meditation liberating, what works in your prison class, why you keep teaching behind bars and how you stay resilient. You will also have a chance to discuss what you find challenging or frustrating. Asana, pranayama and meditation feature throughout the day.

Teaching Yoga in Prison,
Monday 25^th to Friday 29^th June,
Charney Manor, Charney Bassett, Oxfordshire
£460 
This 5-day residential course, run as a British Wheel of Yoga module and open to all teachers, equips you with the knowledge and confidence to teach in prison. In the beautiful house and grounds of rural Chrney Manor, we will explore in depth the issues, challenges and rewards that can arise when working behind bars. Content includes: security, professional boundaries, teachers as role modeal, young offenders, female prisoners, sex offenders, drugs and alcohol, the life and work of prison officers, applying for prison teaching and accrediting your students.
Daily meditation and yoga practice are an integral part of the course. To recieve accreditation, teachers must later observe a prison class and then be assessed teaching a prison class. Cost includes room, board and BWY administration fees.

More information about these events can be found in the teachers’ newsletter. Please contact us to find out how to apply or if you have questions.

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