Last week saw the beginning of the Community Wellbeing Program’s movement and relaxation classes, as well as the Community Cuppa.

The program, designed to help de-stress those affected by the fallout of the Williamtown Contamination is free to all residents influenced by the imposed ‘Red Zone’.

The first movement and relaxation class attracted six people, with this week’s numbers growing to nine.

They will continue to be taught twice a week at The Yoga Hut on Lemon Tree Passage Road on Thursdays at 6.30pm and at the Port Stephens Church of Christ on Friday’s at 10am.

The Friday class includes a free Creche, to encourage young mums to get involved.

Instructor for both classes, Julie Hawkins told News of The Area, “The classes are starting to grow in size and the people that have been coming are a wide age group.”

“The people in the first 2 classes are already relaxed and at peace, benefiting from the classes.”
The classes not only focus on relaxation but teach people how to stretch and breathe properly.

“I feel very privileged to be involved in the Wellbeing Program.”
“Learning to relax and breathe is such an important part of reducing stress and anxiety, both of these are greatly affecting a lot of local residents,” she said.

The Community Cuppa is also attracting a variety of residents, with 13 in attendance this week.
The cuppa takes place on Fridays from 12, after the relaxation class at the Church of Christ.

Community members have been supplying home-made cakes, with this week’s specialty being ‘Streuselkuchen’, a German delight.

The classes will continue for another six weeks, with all age groups welcome.

By Simone JOHNSON