Welcome

Welcome to Space to Be Wellbeing a community not-for-profit organisation delivering inclusive and accessible wellbeing activities for people of all ages and abilities in Barnstaple and the surrounding areas. 

Space to Be has the best interests of all members of the community and their physical, emotional and social wellbeing.  We specialise in delivering wellbeing sessions that support and encourage our community to connect and thrive.  

We are a friendly and approachable organisation providing all members of the community with the equal opportunities to enrich their lives through movement and mindfulness.

Meet the Team

Sharing Inclusive & Accessible Wellbeing in Welcoming Safe Spaces

Karen has been working in the community over the last few years as a Yoga Teacher sharing her passion for yoga to all abilities. Her mission is to make yoga accessible for all, no matter the age, background or experience. As a great yoga guru once said, 'If you can breathe, you can do yoga'. 

Karen Dunnett
Director

Jeanine is actively involved in the community, sharing inclusive and accessible yoga, mindful movement and mindfulness practices. As a qualified movement and mindfulness teacher and a Special Educational Needs teacher, she looks forward to sharing the positive benefits of wellbeing in the community.

Jeanine Ash
Director & Founder

Georgie is a qualified Hatha Yoga Teacher and has been teaching yoga in the Barnstaple area for the past few years. Her special interest is in yoga for anxiety and trauma. Her goal is to spread the love of yoga, bringing healing and calm to the body and mind. 

Georgie Tovell
Director
What We Do
Space to Be Wellbeing provides wellbeing sessions across the community in community spaces, schools, colleges, local organisations and workplace settings. 

We deliver fully adaptable movement and mindfulness practices for all members of the community to enjoy.  We provide sessions that are accessible and inclusive, enhancing community connection and belonging and allowing everyone to benefit from improved physical and mental health. 

Our skills and knowledge within the wellbeing sector, alongside our caring approach ensure all ages and all abilities feel valued.  We are trained to work with those that may require adapted practices relating to their physical, emotional and social needs.
Mindful Movement 
 We deliver Yoga, Qigong, Tai Chi and Mindful Movement sessions for all members of the community, in non-judgemental, safe spaces where everyone is welcomed and valued through our supportive, inclusive and trauma-informed approach.    

These gentle, calming and relaxing movement and breath practices can help build confidence, self-awareness and acceptance.   Physical and mental health benefits may include improved cardiovascular and musculoskeletal health, enhanced positive mood and mental clarity and a reduction in stress, anxiety and depression.   

Our sessions can be enjoyed as seated or standing practices to suit individual needs.  We are trained to support all age ranges from the younger to the older population, those with long term health conditions, disabilities, special needs and diverse communities. 
Mindfulness 
Our friendly and welcoming mindfulness sessions are based on the three Cs of mindfulness 'Curiosity, Compassion and a Calm centre'.  Sessions may include gentle breath awareness and techniques, calming meditation and mindful movement. 

These gentle practices focus on breath and body awareness, supporting both the mind and body to feel settled and grounded, relieving tension and stress and allowing the mind to feel centred and calm.  Our sessions support individuals to develop beneficial and effective mindfulness techniques, improving positivity, self-esteem and a settled outlook to everyday life. 

All sessions can be adapted to suit individual needs.  We tailor sessions for specific age groups, community groups, organisations and workplaces. We offer weekly sessions, courses for children, young people, adults and bespoke sessions.  
Creative Wellbeing
Our creative wellbeing sessions are all about enjoyment, positivity and connecting with others. Creative activities can be an important part of wellbeing, increasing a sense of happiness, self-esteem and an improved mindset.

These friendly community sessions encourage a sense of belonging and purpose and the opportunity to connect with others through art, craft, creative writing, music and nature. Engaging in creative activities with others can be both uplifting and therapeutic. 

These sessions are specifically designed to develop a sense of mindfulness and self-care by encouraging a moment to pause, unwind and be in the moment. Sessions are designed for all ages and abilities, no experience needed, just a sense of open curiosity as you discover the benefits of creative wellbeing.

Sessions & Events

Chair Yoga in Barnstaple

Barnstaple Library, Wednesdays at 10.15 & 11.45, £3 up to £6.

Chair Yoga in Bratton Fleming

Bratton Fleming Village Hall, Thursdays at 10.30, £6.

Mindfulness Sessions in Barnstaple

Castle Centre, Mon 24th February at 10.30, £3 up to £6.

Testimonials

Devon Mental Health Alliance

Recovery Practitioner

Jeanine is an amazing practitioner. She has such empathy and compassion for the people that she works with and is incredibly flexible in her approach to meeting the needs of her clients. As a mental health recovery practitioner, I cannot over state how grateful I am for having met Jeanine. She offers a sensitive, person-centered practice and is always willing to go the extra mile to embody the loving ethos that she promotes.

Wind Down Yoga

Gill in Suffolk

Karen is a great yoga teacher, encouraging and recognising everyone has their own abilities, so no pressure. I attend her wind down classes at the Old School in Long Melford. Although it's gentle yoga, I do feel the physical benefits and mental wellbeing, always ensuring a good night's sleep afterwards. I've been doing yoga for 30 years now and can honestly say that Karen is the best tutor I've had, she is lovely and makes you feel at ease.

West Buckland School

Amanda, Staff Member

I had never practiced yoga before joining Georgie’s classes, and the transformation I’ve experienced in just six weeks has been incredible. Georgie creates a calm, supportive environment that makes every session feel welcoming and restorative, no matter your level of experience (our class is a mixture of ages and abilities).

Barnstaple Alliance Primary Care

Wellbeing Linkworker

I have sent a number of my patients to Jeanine for her chair yoga sessions and every one has responded positively to them and have been happy to continue the full course. They have found the sessions accessible and have been able to do them at their own pace and within their limits without feeling overwhelmed or pushed. Jeanine is a calming and welcoming person and this has made people feel relaxed and encouraged before and during the sessions. This has then given people confidence to pursue other activities as well as improving their physical health. Thank you Jeanine!

Chair Yoga

David in Devon

Chair Yoga with Karen is a wonderful experience, it suits young or old, people with mobility issues or disabilities. Karen will give alternative positions if you have problems carrying out some of the moves. A very social atmosphere within the group. Everyone welcomed.

Hellberg Troop, Chivenor Marine Base

Cameron

Georgie creates a welcoming and inclusive space, offering clear guidance and thoughtful modifications for all levels. Her calm and encouraging teaching style has helped me build strength, improve flexibility, and connect with my breath. Each session feels balanced, combining physical challenge with moments of mindfulness and stillness. Thanks to Georgie, yoga has become an important and enjoyable part of my routine. I couldn’t recommend her more highly.

Barnstaple HOPE Programme

HOPE Coordinator

On behalf of the Barnstaple HOPE Programme, for people living with Fibromyalgia, I wanted to say a very big thank you for coming to our group yesterday and providing us with a sample session of your chair-based yoga. We all found the yoga very relaxing, even those who suffer with chronic joint pain managed to take part. Your explanation of the yoga moves, and what not to do if it hurt, was really positive.

Wind Down Yoga

Robbie in Suffolk

Great class - you feel that you can work at your own pace and Karen makes you feel relaxed . Highly recommend

Woman’s Refuge North Devon

Anonymous

The soothing flow of yoga and movement in Georgie’s yoga sessions have been so beneficial for my busy (and at times scattered) mind. Each practise I have had with her has always left me calm …. yet energised. I would highly recommend Georgie and her graceful approach.

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  • Barnstaple, UK