Wellbeing
Wellbeing is defined as a holistic state of being happy and comfortable – it covers physical, mental, emotional and social health, rather than just the absence of illness. We have a range of classes aimed at boosting wellbeing.
Wellbeing is defined as a holistic state of being happy and comfortable – it covers physical, mental, emotional and social health, rather than just the absence of illness. We have a range of classes aimed at boosting wellbeing.
Tai Chi has been described as the perfect exercise for improving the body and relaxing the mind. It can reduce stress, boost your immune system, lower blood pressure, help circulation and improve balance, coordination and memory. Our sessions are led by Dee Cummins, who has practised Tai Chi for 16 years and worked alongside teams at Barnet Hospital and Finchley Memorial Hospital.
Sessions: Weekly on Thursdays from 10.45 am to 11.45 am (term-time only) at Church House, 2 Wood Street, Barnet, EN5 4BW.
Please wear loose, comfortable clothes and flat shoes (trainers are fine).
After the class, members are invited for coffee and a chat at the Cherry Lodge centre.
Yoga can improve strength, flexibility and balance, reduce stress and boost sleep, focus and mood. It also supports heart health, aids in pain relief (especially back pain), and boosts immunity. Our classes are led by Lesley Bowell, an experienced yoga instructor who specialises in working with older people, dementia patients and people living with cancer.
Sessions: Weekly (seated if necessary) on Mondays from 2.45 pm to 3.45 pm at Barnet Rugby Club. Please wear comfortable clothing and bring your own mat.
We run weekly seated yoga via Zoom for members who are unable to get out or feel that an in-person yoga class is not for them. The classes are led by experienced yoga teacher Kathryn Jackman, and include breathing, relaxation and meditation to help reduce chronic tension and ease stress. Sessions: Weekly on Fridays, 11.00 am to 12.00 pm.
Pilates strengthens the entire body, reduces pain, increases energy and improves overall mobility. It is adaptable for all ages and fitness levels.
Sessions: We are currently recruiting a new teacher – look out for updates soon. Please bring your own mat.
Circle dancing is an ancient tradition common to many cultures aimed at strengthening community and encouraging togetherness, fun and laughter.
Our sessions are conducted by long-time circle dance specialist Ingrid Stringer, who brings joy to dancers of all ages.
Please collect a voucher from Cherry Lodge before attending.
Sessions: Thursdays from 10.30 am to 11.30 am at Wesley Hall, 9 Stapylton Road, Barnet EN5 4JJ.
Mindfulness supports people to meet their experience with greater calm, clarity and compassion, even in the midst of illness and challenges. Our mindfulness sessions are held both online and face-to-face. Our practitioners are qualified in mindfulness-based stress reduction.
Sessions: During the year we run several courses, in-person and via Zoom, with weekly sessions held over either six or eight weeks.
Laughter has been shown to decrease stress, boost immunity, ease anxiety, improve mood and enhance social connection. Intentional laughter involves purposefully engaging in laughter without relying on jokes or humour. Our laughter wellness classes are led by Cristina Lorefice, a BACP Accredited Counsellor, with over 15 years of experience dedicated to mental health and personal empowerment.
Sessions: First Tuesday of every month from 2.00 pm to 2.45 pm, via Zoom.
Sound has been used throughout human history for therapy, with some therapeutic frequencies believed to relieve stress, tension, anxiety, depression and grief, while boosting motivation, concentration and sleep. Our sessions are led by music teacher Alistair Smith, who also runs sessions for the NHS. He uses tuning forks, gongs, voice and harp to support treatment and recovery in people suffering from chronic illness.
Sessions: Second Friday of every month from 2.00 pm to 3.00 pm, via Zoom.
To find out more or book your place on any of our wellbeing classes above, please email
nisha@cherrylodgecancercare.org.uk or call the centre on 020 8441 7000.
Representatives from Tropic Skincare bring their expertise and lovely products to Cherry Lodge every few weeks. All their make-up and pampering products are made in the UK using the most nourishing and natural ingredients.
Sessions: For up to 10 members at a time.
To find out more or book your place please email nisha@cherrylodgecancercare.org.uk
or call the centre on 020 8441 7000.
Exercise during and after cancer treatment is known to be beneficial. A structured exercise programme can help build and maintain muscle strength and improve daily functioning and quality of life.
Sessions: If you would like free access to a personalised 12-session, online exercise programme, either one-to-one or in a group, please email Karen at karen@cherrylodgecancercare.org.uk for more details or visit the oncomove.com website and fill in the on-line referral form.
Chrissy from Nicola Jane attends the Cherry Lodge centre on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. Visit the Nicola Jane website to view their range of post-surgery pocketed bras and swimwear designed to hold a breast form if needed.
Click here to go to the Nicola Jane website to make your appointment at Cherry Lodge.
For more information, email customerservice@nicolajane.com or call 01243 537300.
We are always on the lookout for volunteer instructors. If you think you can help, please contact caroline@cherrylodgecancercare.org.uk.
My mindfulness sessions with Cherry Lodge were very soothing, and the support I’ve received has done a lot to help ease my anxiety since my prostate cancer diagnosis.