WOYU: WOMEN OF YARDLEY UNITE – AN EMPOWERING AND CREATIVE WELLBEING PROGRAMME
Our free artistic sessions offer a perfect opportunity to be led by different professional artists and use creativity to develop skills, build confidence and form local networks and friendships.
A huge thanks to our funders Birmingham City Council and The National Lottery Community Fund for supporting our Women of Yardley Unite sessions. Their funding helps us create welcoming, community-led spaces where local women can connect, build confidence and support one another. We’re proud to be part of a network of projects that put people at the heart of everything, and grate to National Lottery players for making this possible.
“This is a new area to me. I am a housewife, I always do housework and get bored. After joining the art session I have become more aware of the different activities and meet new, nice people. Now I have something to look forward to.”
“WOYU gives me an opportunity to try things with no cost implication that I’d never do if there was a high cost. Materials are so expensive to try something new.”
“These workshops are helping my mental health, I am not mixing up in my area and going out, I need these kind of activities, I need it!”
“I’m a confident person, but these sessions give me an opportunity for some well-deserved “me time.” I spend much of my working week supporting others, so it feels wonderful to do something just for myself. I also love that the sessions are in the evening—since my husband is home, he can take care of the kids while I focus on me.”
“Do you know what is good about coming here? Talking with other people, getting to know them, mixing with different communities.”
FORTNIGHTLY WALKS
Arts In The Yard hosts fortnightly women-only walks in Oaklands Recreation Ground, a much‑loved green space in Yardley. These walks are open to all local women and offer a consistent, welcoming space to connect, reflect, and enjoy nature together.
WOYU walks support mental and physical wellbeing through gentle movement, fresh air, and social interaction. They help build confidence, belonging, and community pride — particularly among women over 50 and those living with physical or mental health challenges.
To find out more, email: hello@artsintheyard.org
WEEKLY YOGA
We deliver women‑only yoga sessions in Hay Mills with teachers Emma Smallman, who specialises in trauma‑informed yoga, and Harriette Luscombe, whose teaching is rooted in body awareness and breathwork.
These sessions, funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, are ideal for beginners, those returning to exercise, or anyone with mobility challenges.
To find out more, email: hello@artsintheyard.org
WOMEN OF YARDLEY UNITE – REACHING COMMUNITIES YEAR 1 REPORT
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY – WOMEN OF YARDLEY UNITE EVALUATION CONDUCTED BY BVSC
WOYU promotes healthier lifestyles for participants through increased feelings of mental wellbeing, reduced isolation and creating confidence for participation in other activities in the area. Its focus is on women over 50 and those with physical disabilities or mental health difficulties.
Visit the BVSC website to read their article on the difference our Prevention and Communities funding from Birmingham City Council makes:
https://www.bvsc.org/women-of-yardley-unite-evaluation-report