Workshops offering a range of therapeutic activities to aid community recovery have launched in Cumnock.

Four Sunday Soother sessions, which constitute workshop spaces exploring yoga, mindfulness and music and art therapies, will be delivered between October 2021 – April 2022. The first event took place on Sunday.

Held at the Barrhill Centre, the sessions are funded through the Community Recovery Fund as well as Shire Housing and Corra Foundation’s Ideas into Action. They are delivered by Natalie Carmichael and Fraser Stone, of the Corra Foundation, and Alan Thomas and Fiona Bain, of What Matters to You.

Cumnock Chronicle:

Fraser told the Chronicle: “These workshops offer a platform for the team to strengthen relationships within the community and find out where people are at with things and what their priorities are.

“We hope we can use this feedback to better support people and facilitate ideas for change.

“As an ex-touring musician, I love being able to combine my creative side and my role as a Community Coodinator for Corra. I have been enjoying connecting with people again through group drumming, it is so rewarding. Group drumming can be used to build a sense of togetherness, and creates good vibrations for the mind, body and soul.”

Natalie added: “Mindfulness is for everyone. It allows an opportunity for relaxation but also to develop an attitude of kindness toward self, allowing ourselves to be with the present moment with whatever is happening.

Cumnock Chronicle:

“Other benefits include helping with memory, physical pain, addiction, overthinking and can even help with slowing down the ageing process. My workshop will provide a relaxed opportunity to develop these skills in a safe and welcoming space.”

Sunday Soother sessions are currently at capacity, but if residents want to get involved, they should email fraser@corra.scot to explore options for additional days.