My yoga and wellbeing journey began 40 years ago when I suddenly found myself coming to terms with single parenthood of two infants under the age of 4. At the same time I had the offer of a place at university to study social work. I found myself alone in a city miles away from my hometown and family.
I decided to take up my place at university and I embarked on what was a rewarding but incredibly tough period of my life with many ups and downs financially, physically and emotionally.
Sleep deprivation, missed meals, evenings surviving on black coffee to get me through revision and essay deadlines were the order of the day!
I soon realised that this lifestyle was not a good long term option and I set about making changes. My first move was to look at my diet and I introduced a vegetarian diet and reduced my caffeine intake. Today I enjoy a pescatarian diet, black coffee disappeared many years ago, but I am a lover of a decaf flat white!
I was introduced to alternative therapies, yoga and meditation through colleagues when undertaking a mental health social work practice placement at university. My interest was awakened and I began to gain a good understanding of Reflexology, Aromatherapy and the use of essential oils. In more recent years I studied Ayurveda and I have learnt how we can integrate the ancient art of the Ayurvedic healing system with modern day holistic therapies.
During my long career in social work I was fortunate to set up and manage a mental health project in England where I introduced Yoga, Meditation and holistic Therapies as part of a community based recovery programme.
I moved to Scotland in 2013 and worked in statutory mental health services until my retirement in 2021. After taking a few months break I took up a post as a social prescriber/ link worker and was allocated to work with 4 GP practices. This was a busy time post Covid. I feel privileged to have worked with a wide range of patients, many of which I supported to reintegrate into local community life as well as supporting and promoting the work of local charities, support services and networks.
I retired from my Social Prescriber role in October 2024 to have more time to devote to Calm Space yoga and wellbeing.
I live a few minutes walk from Belhaven Bay close to the lovely town of Dunbar in East Lothian where I volunteer a few hours of my spare time to two charities.
My beautiful mother taught me to sew when I was 6 years old and I love sewing, textiles and fashion. I enjoy walking with my Whippet Tia, I am regular wild swimmer, sauna and cold water dipper. Tia doesn't get involved in sea swimming or cold water dipping but she loves running on the beach. I love spending some time walking in Northumberland and exploring coast and country side around the Holy island and the Farne islands.
I am currently working in partnership with my sister Jean Gascoigne www.arttherapyworks.uk to provide yoga and wellbeing retreats in Yorkshire and Scotland.
I am looking forward to meeting you.
