Courses, Events and Workshops

Moving with the Seasons (Over 55s)

A 44-week mindful movement programme across the year for people in Darwen and Blackburn living with long-term illness who currently do under 30-60 minutes of exercise a week and want gentle support to build towards the NHS guideline of 150 minutes plus per week

Moving with the Seasons blends gentle movement, mindful body awareness and easy breath practices to improve strength, balance, flexibility and mood. Sessions are beginner-friendly and adaptable to all levels of mobility (including chair-based options). Each season follows the rhythms of nature and the energetic focus of  Zen Yoga.

Winter theme (Jan–Mar): cultivating rest and steady energy with a focus on the kidneys & bladder meridian pathways.

How it works

• Format: 60 minutes of guided movement + 30   minutes herbal tea & social time
• Approach: the 3 intertwined aspects of   practice 
  1. Physical alignment
  2. Healthy energy flow
  3. Mindful awareness of the body

Who it’s for:

   Adults 55+ with a long-term condition who are new or returning to activity

Beginners welcome. No floor work required unless you want it; chairs provided.

Winter 2026 dates & venues (11 weeks)

• Blackburn (Mondays, 2:00–3:30 pm)
  5 Jan – 16 Mar 2026 at Shadsworth Hub, Blackburn
• Darwen (Fridays, 11:00 am–12:30 pm)
  9 Jan – 20 Mar 2026 at Springvale Methodist Church, Watery Lane,      Darwen

(We then flow into the Spring season; venues and times stay the same.)

Cost

Voluntary contribution: £1 per week , £11 for the whole winter block.

Accessibility & safety

• Trauma-informed, welcoming of all faiths and backgrounds
• Seated and standing options offered throughout
• You will be asked to complete a health questionnaire before commencing .

Booking (limited places)

Pre-booking is essential. Scan the QR code on the poster or visit www.reconnection2wellness.orgto reserve your place.

Thank you again to Sport England for making this happen.

Growing Thursdays

12 March onwards | 10.30am–12.30pm
Location: Turncroft Allotment / Bud-dees Growing Darwen

Practical, hands-on growing sessions focused on making the most of small spaces (no allotment or big garden needed). We’ll grow skills and confidence together, and we’ll encourage you to learn alongside neighbours and others in the growing community, because this is how we used to live: growing what we can, and supporting each other.

Places are limited so booking essential . 

Just book on one date - you dont need to book each week or email 

   Autumn Zen Yoga
As we move into autumn, nature begins to slow down, let go and draw its energy inward.
Maybe we need a bit of that too.
Join us at  Springbank Manor Hotel in Darwen for an hour of gentle Autumn Zen Yoga, breathwork and mindful relaxation.

These sessions are designed to help you slow down, release some of the tension you have been carrying and reconnect with your body before we move into the darker winter months.
We will use gentle, accessible movement to open the chest and shoulders, stretch and soften the body, breathe more deeply and create a little more space physically and mentally.
You can expect:
• Gentle Zen Yoga and mindful movement
• Breathwork to help settle the body and mind
• Practices to release tension and help you slow down
• Seasonal movement inspired by the qualities of autumn
• Time to reconnect with your body and your energy
• A calming mindful relaxation to finish
Zen Yoga is not about being flexible, getting into complicated positions or pushing your body.
It is about learning to listen to your body, work with it rather than against it, and use movement, breath and awareness to support your overall wellbeing.
There is much more behind the practice that we will explore together as the weeks progress, including the traditional seasonal wisdom that informs Zen Yoga. You do not need to know any of that before you arrive.
Just come as you are.
Dates
Every Tuesday
until 15/12

Time
6pm to 7pm
Venue
Springbank Manor Hotel
Darwen
No previous yoga experience is needed. Beginners are very welcome and the practice can be adapted to different bodies and abilities.
Come and give yourself an hour each week to move, breathe, let go and gather your energy before winter.
Supported by The National Lottery Community Fund 

A heartwarming afternoon of traditional rag wreath making, weaving treasured memories, wishes and old fabrics into something beautiful.

Rag Wreath Workshop

Saturday 5 December | 2 pm to 4 pm

Springvale Church, Watery Lane, Darwen

Join us for a rather special creative gathering as part of our Thriving with the Seasons heritage project.

We're bringing back the traditional craft of rag making, but with a little twist.

Using a natural willow wreath base and strips of fabric from old clothing, we'll create something beautiful, colourful and full of meaning.

Perhaps you've got an old favourite jumper, a dress you haven't worn for years, or a piece of clothing that reminds you of someone special.

Rather than leaving those memories tucked away in a wardrobe, we'll give them a new lease of life.

And there's a little magic to it too...

As we weave each piece of fabric into our wreath, we'll make a wish. Perhaps for ourselves, someone we love, or even for the world around us.

But this afternoon is about so much more than making a wreath.

It's about gathering around a table, sharing stories, laughter and memories, and reconnecting with traditional crafts that were once passed down through generations.

In a world where so much is mass-produced and thrown away, there's something rather lovely about taking old materials, giving them new purpose and creating something meaningful with our own hands.

You'll leave with a beautiful handmade wreath, but hopefully a few new memories too.

Please bring along some old clothing or fabric that holds sentimental meaning for you.

It could be something that reminds you of a loved one, a special time in your life, or simply a piece of fabric you can't quite bring yourself to throw away.

Everything else will be provided, including your natural willow wreath base.

No previous crafting experience is needed. Just come along, enjoy yourself and get creative.

This workshop is part of Thriving with the Seasons, a community heritage project delivered by Reconnection to Wellness CIC and made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Donations are very welcome and help us continue bringing people together through traditional skills, seasonal living and community activities.

Come along, get creative, share a story and make a little magic.

Because sometimes the most beautiful things we create are woven from the memories we carry.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/2004359423993?aff=oddtdtcreator