How Brighton’s Yoga Community is Transforming Lives
A conversation with Brighton Yoga Foundation, Brighton Natural Health Foundation & Infinity Foods
For several years, Infinity Foods — both its iconic shop and wholesale arm — has proudly supported the Brighton Yoga Festival. But for those unfamiliar with the deeper purpose behind the festival, it’s time to shine a light on the work of the charity at its heart – the Brighton Natural Health Foundation (BNHF).
This year, we sat down with Danny, Sam, and David—representing the Brighton Yoga Festival and the BNHF—to learn more about their inspiring collaboration, their shared mission, and the upcoming Brighton Yoga Festival happening on June 7th, 2025.
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Two Charities – One Shared Vision
The Brighton Natural Health Foundation is a charity rooted in the belief that mindful movement can transform lives. Its purpose is to bring mindful movement (qigong, yoga and Pilates) to communities facing health inequalities in Sussex. Last year, it merged with another longstanding Brighton charity – the Brighton Yoga Foundation (BYF – the original founders of the Brighton Yoga Festival) in order to streamline their efforts.
The merger also gave rise to Brighton Community Events, a Community Interest Company (CIC) that manages the festival while supporting vital outreach work.
“Our mission is simple,” says Sam. “Make wellbeing accessible – especially for people who need it most but can least afford it.”
Stories That Inspire: David’s Journey
Perhaps the most powerful story shared was that of David, a volunteer and newly qualified yoga teacher whose journey is a living testament to the power of mindful movement.
Once a participant in BYF’s recovery outreach classes, David discovered not only healing, but a new purpose. Today, he teaches yoga to residents in recovery homes and at Saltwater Studio, offering the same support that once helped him.
“Yoga gave me the space to breathe again,” David says. “Now I get to offer that space to others.”
His experience allows him to connect deeply with people on similar journeys—building trust, offering hope, and proving that transformation is truly possible.
Outreach That Matters
Over the past year, BNHF has expanded their outreach work to include:
- A train the trainer mindful movement course for refugees
- Classes for trauma survivors
- Group sessions for South Asian women, over-50s, and people with chronic fatigue
- Free wellbeing workshops on stress and sleep
They’ve also launched training programs for yoga teachers in racial literacy, LGBTQIA+ inclusivity, and trauma-sensitive approaches—ensuring that their network of practitioners is equipped to serve with compassion and understanding.
Looking Ahead: What’s New in 2025
The team is excited about new projects for the year ahead, including:
- Running wellbeing courses in nature
- Launching a new class for people in recovery and facing homelessness
- Running a new six-week mindful movement course for chronic pain in partnership with GP surgeries
- Deepening engagement with young people and schools
“We want to make health and wellbeing part of the fabric of community life,” Sam adds.