Passport to Wellbeing - Tai Chi for Relaxation (Mind and Body)

Course intent

Tai Chi is an ancient oriental art that over time helps revitalise mind, body and spirit through the learning and practice of “the form” (set sequences of movements performed slowly with precision). This course will introduce you to Tai Chi short form, combining deep breathing and relaxation with flowing movements to reduce stress, improve posture, balance and general mobility. Your tutor will work with you on developing your Tai Chi skills and help you find ways to improve your mental wellbeing.

This course is part of our Passport to Wellbeing programme for adults to support them as they rediscover their mental and emotional balance and to help them live healthy, active lives.

If depression, anxiety or stress are making your life difficult, come and join one of our free courses. You can connect with others, learn new skills and try some focussed physical activity.

What will we cover?

The intent of this course is to use a series of Tai Chi short form movements and postures to develop your fitness and core strength while calming your mind and relaxing your body to improve your overall sense of wellbeing.

By the end of the course, you will: 1 demonstrate shifting weight smoothly/refine your weight-shifting. 2. perform 3-5 movements and postures. 3. Identify 2-3 exercises that you can reproduce independently 4. Experiment with approaches to wellbeing that can be integrated into your daily life

As this course takes place over several sessions, you will find you make the most progress if you attend every lesson and complete any home practice that is suggested.

Who is this course for? Is there anything I need to know before joining?

If your mental health is making your life difficult, for example because you are depressed, anxious or stressed, this course might be for you. It is part of our Passport to Wellbeing programme which is for people would like to improve their mental health.

The course is suitable for beginners and those with a little experience in Tai Chi. You don’t need to have any previous knowledge in the subject, just an interest and willingness to learn.

If you would like to enrol, we will ask you to attend a pre-course meeting, including a questionnaire about your wellbeing and any additional support needs. This is essential to help us ensure we provide the right support to enable you to have a positive learning experience with us.

What do I need to bring to the first class? Will there be any extra costs?

You will need to wear comfortable, loose clothing. Tai Chi is practised in bare feet/socks/soft soled shoes.

Your tutor may suggest using household items to help you practice Tai Chi, but will discuss this with you beforehand, to give you time to find such items, or find suitable alternatives.

There are no extra costs on this course.

What can I do when I finish the course?

As a learner on our Passport to Wellbeing programme, you will be offered a maximum of three free courses on the programme.

After this course, in discussion with your tutor, you may wish to progress on to further courses in the same subject or you can choose to switch to another course in the programme (subject to places being available).

When you feel ready to learn in a more open environment, you will also be offered a 50% discount on a course on our main Community Learning programme.

Additional information

All learners should be willing to attend regularly, follow instructions, comply with guidance on health and safety, and work safely with others.

We also encourage you to seek appropriate support from a medical professional or other service to complement your learning.

We welcome learners with additional needs and disabilities. When you enrol please let us know if you would like to discuss your extra support needs with a member of the Supported Learning Team who will then contact you as soon as possible. If you are enrolling within 10 days of the course start date, we may not be able to contact you before your first class.

As our courses are taught in English, please contact us if you have any concerns about your level of English.

Surrey Adult Learning values and supports equality and diversity by promoting fairness and respect at all times.

How to enrol

You can't currently enrol online for this course, so please call 0300 200 1044 to express your interest or to make an enquiry for further information.

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