EMPOWER HER!
Supporting women's health is an important part of what we do - through yoga, movement, holistic treatments, creative activity, and more. We recently launched a crowdfunder - EMPOWER HER - and thanks to the support of our local community and funding from Shropshire Council, we're delighted to offer a series of classes, workshops and events to support and educate women in Shropshire.
Through our programme, we will provide paths to better physical, mental and emotional wellbeing, from puberty to menopause. We will offer free and affordable supportive yoga classes, workshops, education, holistic therapies, support groups and more for women's underserved health needs.
Find out more about the sessions and workshops below - sessions will be added once confirmed.
If you know a women's group who would benefit from this project, we would love to hear from you. We will also be running closed sessions to local groups and charities, to increase support to those who might otherwise not have access. Get in touch with enquiries@jennablairyoga.co.uk
Jenna and Hattie x
Bookable Sessions
Empower Her ~ Mothering the New Mother with Ange Knight
Saturday 31 January | 4:30-5:30pm | £3 | Jenna Blair Yoga Wellbeing Centre, Belle Vue, Shrewsbury
A restorative and compassionate class designed to fill new Mothers cups, with ahimsa (non-harming) at its heart. This nurturing session focuses on breath awareness a key part of healing and regulating the nervous system alongside mindful rituals and gentle, bite-sized movements.
Together, we’ll honour the sacred, intuitive, and nurturing aspects of motherhood, offering space to reconnect, restore, and support yourself in this special stage of life whilst you take a short break from your little love.
Take a moment for you, you deserve it.
Delivered Sessions
Empower Her Launch Evening
Held Friday 25th April | 6–8pm | Jenna Blair Yoga Wellbeing Centre | Free Event
The Empower Her launch event has now taken place and marked the official beginning of a new women’s health programme in Shropshire. Hosted at Jenna Blair Yoga, the evening brought together local women to connect, learn, and celebrate this inspiring initiative. Attendees enjoyed talks from women’s health advocates, a preview of the programme, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere with tea and light refreshments. The event was a beautiful introduction to the holistic support and education Empower Her aims to offer.
Big thank you to Laura May Photography for coming along and capturing the evening.
Empower Her Project Presents ~ Yoga and Hormonal Health with hattie thorpe-gunner
Held Saturday 31 May | 3–5:15pm | Jenna Blair Yoga Wellbeing Centre | Free Event
Our recent workshop with Hattie Thorpe-Gunner was a warm and empowering exploration of the connection between yoga and hormonal health.
Attendees discovered the four phases of the menstrual cycle and how to support each one through mindful movement and breathwork.
The session offered a gentle space for learning, connection, and relaxation, leaving everyone with practical tools to support their hormonal wellbeing—whether they’re navigating a regular cycle, perimenopause, or simply seeking a deeper connection to their body.
It was beautifully received and deeply nourishing.
Empower Her Project presents ~ Harmony Through Aromatherapy: A Workshop for Hormone Balance with Heather Smallbone
Held Sunday 1 June | 11:30-1pm | Jenna Blair Yoga Wellbeing Centre | Free Event
Heather Smallbone’s aromatherapy workshop was a calming and empowering session that offered a beautiful space to explore the connection between scent, self-care, and hormonal health.
Held at Jenna Blair Yoga Wellbeing Centre and generously funded by Empower Her Supporters, participants learned about essential oils that support women’s wellbeing, created their own personalised blends, and discovered simple ways to bring aromatherapy into everyday life.
Whether navigating hormonal shifts or simply seeking natural self-care, the workshop was warmly received and left everyone feeling more grounded and connected.
Empower Her Presents~ Online Yoga Class for Teenage Girls
with Kelsey Taylor \
Held Saturday 14 June | 10:30-11:30am | Online Via Zoom | Free Event
In this empowering session led by Senior Yoga Teacher and Trainer Kelsey Taylor, teenage girls were invited to explore the physical, emotional, and mental changes of puberty through the supportive lens of yoga.
This 1-hour workshop created a safe, nurturing space for girls to connect with their changing bodies, build inner confidence, and develop self-awareness through movement, breath, and guided reflection.
Kelsey, known for her compassionate approach to women’s wellness, offered practical tools to support girls at the beginning of their journey into womanhood—celebrating their individuality and strength.
This recorded session is now available as a resource for those who missed the live event and wish to revisit its wisdom and warmth.
Empower Her Project presents:~ Menopause Yoga with Jess Sewell
Held on Friday 6th, 13th & 20th June | Jenna Blair Wellbeing Centre | Free Classes
This gentle and uplifting three-week series supported women through the transitions of perimenopause, menopause, and beyond. Held across three Fridays in June, each 90-minute session created a calm and welcoming space to move, breathe, rest, and connect.
Participant feedback captured the heart of the experience:
“Amazing & uplifting”
“Was nice to slow down”
“Encompassing, friendly, informative”
“Beautifully paced and held”
With over 25 years of yoga experience and a background in nursing, Jess brought both compassion and wisdom to this deeply nourishing series—helping women feel seen, supported, and empowered at every stage of their journey.
Empower Her Presents:~ Online Yoga Class for Mothers
with Kelsey Taylor
Held Saturday 12th July | 10:30-11:30am | Online Via Zoom
This event was free to attend thanks to the generous support of our Empower Her Project contributors
Originally held on Saturday 12th July, this one-hour online class is now available to revisit anytime you need a moment of support and reflection.
Led by Senior Yoga Teacher and Trainer Kelsey Taylor, this gentle class offers mothers a nurturing space to explore the emotional, mental, and physical shifts that accompany life’s transitions.
Through calming yoga, breathwork, and self-reflection, Kelsey guides you in embracing hormonal changes with compassion both in yourself and as you support your daughter through her own journey.
Whether you’re returning for a moment of calm or discovering it for the first time, this class invites you to pause, breathe, and grow together.
Empower Her Presents: A Workshop For Women Living With Pain Guided by Natalie Jackson
Held Saturday 12 July | 2-4:30pm | Jenna Blair Yoga Wellbeing Centre
This event was £5 thanks to the generous funding from the Empower Her Supporters
This 2.5-hour in-person workshop offered a supportive and practical space for women living with chronic or cyclical pain—including pain related to PMS, endometriosis, menopause, PCOS, musculoskeletal conditions, or persistent, unexplained symptoms.
Led by Natalie Jackson, The Longevity Coach, the session introduced her Mind, Menu & Move approach to living The Long & Good Life™—a compassionate framework for working with your body, not against it.
What We Covered:
Gentle, sustainable strategies for pain management
Holistic self-care practices to support body and mind
Shared connection and understanding
Tools to build resilience and confidence in daily life
While this workshop was not recorded, we hope to offer more spaces like this in the future. If you’re living with pain and looking for kind, practical support—you are not alone, and we would love to welcome you to a future session.
Words used to describe the session from feedback was ‘Supportive, Relaxing, Empowering, Welcoming, Calm…’
Fully Booked ~ Empower Her Project presents:~
Women’s Health Acupuncture – Group Session with Julia Ugrinic
Held on Saturday 26 July 2025 | 12pm | Jenna Blair Yoga Wellbeing Centre
This event was £10 thanks to the generous support of Empowe Her contributors
This nourishing and restorative group acupuncture session was designed to support women’s health and emotional wellbeing across all life stages - from the first period to post-menopause.
Led by qualified acupuncturist Julia Ugrinic of Green Rose Acupuncture, the session offered a gentle introduction to acupuncture in a calming and supportive space. It formed part of the Empower Her Project: a community-led initiative providing low-cost holistic support to girls and women throughout Shropshire.
✨ Why Acupuncture?
Acupuncture can help regulate hormones, support menstrual health, ease symptoms of PMS and menopause, improve fertility, and support emotional wellbeing. This session provided space to pause, reconnect, and take a gentle first step toward deeper self-care.
Running and the Pelvic Floor with Vic Gidney and Carrie~Ann Martin
Held on Friday 10 October | 6-8pm | £25
In October, we were joined by Carrie-Ann Martin, Pelvic Health Physiotherapist, and Vic Gidney, Pilates Instructor and Running Coach, for a two-hour workshop focused on pelvic health and running.
Attendees explored the reasons behind common pelvic floor dysfunctions such as leaking, and learned practical techniques to strengthen, release, and train the pelvic floor to meet the demands of running.
The evening included a gentle, mat-based movement session, time for open discussion, and a relaxed opportunity to ask questions over refreshments.
A donation of £5 from each ticket was contributed to the Empower Her project, helping to support women’s wellbeing and confidence through movement and community.
Empower Her Presents ~: In Conversation with Dr Melanie Thompson ~, a Menopause Awareness Day special
Held on Saturday 18 October | 6:30-8:30pm | In Person: £5 & Online: £3 thanks to Empower Her Donations
Our recent Menopause Awareness Evening, held on 18 October as part of the Empower Her programme, was a wonderful opportunity to learn, reflect, and feel supported during this transitional stage of life.
We were delighted to welcome Dr Melanie Thompson, GP partner at a Telford practice, who shared her extensive knowledge and experience with a particular focus on menopause and women’s health.
During the session, Melanie addressed common questions and concerns, exploring how both modern medicine and lifestyle approaches can work together to support wellbeing during menopause.
It was an informative and engaging evening, offering attendees practical guidance and reassurance in a welcoming and inclusive setting.
Empower Her Presents: A Midlife Menopause Wellbeing Workshop with Angela Loughlin and Sarah Summers
Held on Sunday 19 October | 6:00-8:00pm | £5 thanks to Empower Her Donators
Our recent Empower Her Menopause Workshop was a supportive and practical session designed to help women navigate the changes that midlife can bring — physically, emotionally, and hormonally.
Led by two leading local menopause experts, Angela Loughlin and Sarah Summers, the workshop offered knowledge, guidance, and real-world advice to help attendees feel more in tune with their bodies during this stage of life.
Guests explored key topics such as understanding menopause, managing symptoms, supporting energy and sleep through nutrition, and the importance of pelvic health - all in a calm, inclusive, and welcoming setting.
About the Experts
• Angela Loughlin – Menopause coach and founder of MBrace, offering group coaching, workplace workshops, and events. Angela brings compassion, clarity, and a focus on helping women feel heard and supported.
• Sarah Summers – Registered Nutritionist (mBANT, CNHC) specialising in midlife and menopause. Sarah supports women through hormonal changes, energy restoration, better sleep, and practical lifestyle guidance, combining evidence-based advice with a relatable approach.
It was a wonderful evening of learning, support, and connection for all who attended.
Empower Her Presents ~ Menopause And Perimenopause Group Acupuncture with Julia Ugrinic
Held on Saturday 25 October | 12-1pm | £10 thanks to the generous support of Empower Her donators
As part of our Menopause Awareness Month at Jenna Blair Yoga Wellbeing Centre, this calming group acupuncture session offered deep rest and hormonal support for those navigating menopause and perimenopause.
Led by experienced acupuncturist Julia Ugrinic of Green Rose Acupuncture, the session focused on supporting emotional wellbeing and physical balance during this important life phase.
✨ What Happened
Participants were invited to lie down on yoga mats in a peaceful, nurturing space. Gentle acupuncture needles were placed in the lower legs and arms—no undressing required—while guests relaxed with optional eye masks. Many left feeling rebalanced, grounded, and more connected to themselves.
✨ Benefits of Acupuncture
The session explored how acupuncture may help ease common menopause symptoms, including hot flushes, night sweats, anxiety, low mood, fatigue, brain fog, and sleep disturbances. It also offered a restorative pause to prioritise wellbeing.
✨ Who Attended
This session was designed specifically for people experiencing perimenopause or menopause. (Not suitable during pregnancy.)
It was a nurturing and restorative hour, giving attendees a chance to relax, reset, and connect with their wellbeing.
Empower Her Presents ~ The Holding Space ~ Menopause with Chloe Murray
Held on Sunday 26 October | 11:30-1:30pm | £5 thanks to the generous support of Empower Her contributors
On Sunday 26 October, The Holding Space: Menopause offered a gentle, nurturing environment for those navigating perimenopause or menopause. Attendees were invited to gather, connect, and share their experiences freely in a circle of kindred spirits.
The session explored the emotional, physical, and spiritual aspects of midlife change with compassion and curiosity. Through conversation, quiet reflection, and simple ritual, participants experienced a supportive space that fostered resilience, connection, and understanding. This was not an educational or clinical session, but a space for witnessing and holding each story with care and respect.
About Chloe Murray BA Hons (Oxon) GMBPsS
Chloe, who holds a degree in Experimental Psychology from Oxford University and is a member of the British Psychological Society and the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists, led the session with her signature empathic, person-centred approach. With years of experience facilitating community singing groups and reflective spaces, Chloe created a warm, inclusive circle where everyone felt heard and supported.
It was a restorative and uplifting gathering, reminding participants that they are not alone on this journey.
Empower Her Presents~ Menopause Yoga with Jess Sewell
Held on Block of 3 Classes | Starts Monday 3 November | 5:15PM | £5 per class
Our recent block of three Menopause Yoga sessions, led by the compassionate and experienced Jess Sewell, provided a deeply supportive space for women navigating perimenopause, menopause, and beyond.
Each 90-minute class offered much more than movement—it was an invitation to pause, connect, and feel held. Sessions combined specially adapted yoga postures, breathwork, and guided meditation, alongside the opportunity to share and reflect in a safe, understanding environment. Whether participants were just beginning their menopausal journey or further along, the sessions offered practical tools to support both physical and emotional wellbeing.
✨ What Participants Experienced:
Gentle, tailored yoga sequences designed to ease symptoms
Breath techniques to soothe and rebalance
Guided meditation to calm the mind
Space to share (if desired), listen, and connect with others on a similar path
Jess Sewell, whose yoga journey began over 25 years ago alongside her nursing career, brought a grounded, nurturing approach to each class. As a mother, yoga teacher since 2011, and recent graduate of Menopause Yoga training with Petra Coveney, Jess blended clinical insight with holistic wisdom to help participants release tension, reconnect to the breath, and feel supported on their journey.
It was a restorative and uplifting experience, leaving participants feeling nurtured, rebalanced, and connected.
Empower Her Aromatherapy for Cyclical Living with Heather Smallbone
Held on Sunday 25 January | 1:00-2:30pm | £5 Thanks to the support of the Empower Her Community |
Jenna Blair Yoga Wellbeing Centre, Belle Vue, Shrewsbury
Step into a sensory journey that honors the rhythms of nature and the cycles within yourself. This immersive workshop invited you to explore how essential oils can support the ebb and flow of your physical, emotional, and spiritual seasons.
What Heather covered:
- Seasonal Scents & Rituals: Discover how different aromas align with the phases of the moon, menstrual cycles, and the shifting energies of the year.
- Hands-On Blending: Create personalised oil blends that nurture balance, renewal, and grounding at each stage of your cycle.
🌸 Why people joined?
This workshop was designed for those seeking to live in harmony with their natural rhythms, cultivating resilience, self-compassion, and intuitive flow. Whether you are navigating menstrual cycles, lunar phases, or seasonal transitions, aromatherapy offers a gentle yet powerful way to reconnect with your inner landscape.
Empower Her A Midlife Menopause Wellbeing Workshop with Angela Loughlin and Sarah Summers
Held on Sunday 25 January | 2pm-4pm | £5 | Hermitage Centre, Belle Vue Methodist Church, Belle Vue Road, Shrewsbury, SY3 7NL
Midlife can bring a wave of change - physically, emotionally, and hormonally. This workshop was a chance to take a breath, feel understood, and gain clarity about what’s happening in your body.
As part of the Empower Her initiative, this supportive and practical session brought together two leading local Menopause experts, Angela Loughlin and Sarah Summers, to share knowledge, guidance, and real-world advice to help you feel more in tune with yourself during this stage of life.
Participants left with a clearer understanding of what’s happening during menopause, along with practical, actionable guidance on managing symptoms, eating to support energy and sleep with confidence, and understanding the importance of pelvic health — all delivered in a calm, inclusive setting.
About the experts
Angela Loughlin is a menopause coach and founder of MBrace, offering group coaching, workplace workshops, and events to support women through menopause. Angela brings compassion, clarity, and a focus on helping women feel heard and supported.
Sarah Summers is a Registered Nutritionist (mBANT, CNHC) specialising in midlife and menopause. She works with women to support hormonal changes, restore energy, improve sleep, and reduce overwhelm through practical nutrition and lifestyle support. Sarah combines evidence-based advice with a down-to-earth, relatable approach.
Empower Her Presents ~ Yoga Classes for Female Care Leavers
We are delighted that Empower Her supported female care leavers during January 2026.
Jenna Blair Yoga Community joined forces with Telford & Wrekin Council in November to offer Gentle Yoga sessions for young adults during Care Leavers Month (paid for by you, our wonderful supporters). They were very well received and we have been able to extend the offering via Empower Her. We hope that this is just the start of our work with this incredible group.
All the yoga for all the people!