Highlighting Diversity and Inclusion in the Wellness Industry

Those of you who know me will know that I was born, grew up and still live in Edinburgh. 

Edinburgh is a very diverse city however, from what I have noticed, the ethnic diversity isn't reflected and representative within the wellness space.

Before I decided to sign up to my yoga teacher training I hadn't met or attended a Black or Ethnic Minority yoga teacher class. I had gone to different yoga studios across the city, but I never came across a teacher who looked like me. 

However, there are a lot of Black yoga teachers on YouTube and I found teachers I liked there and on Instagram. Most of the teachers I found were from London or America though. I have felt included and safe within the in person classes I have attended, but it would be nice to practice with a teacher from a similar background.

The ethnicity of your yoga teacher or other wellness professional isn't of importance to everyone. But for some it is important to learn and be guided by someone with shared and common experiences. 

As an example, I had two previous clients who were Black and they travelled from outside of Edinburgh to work with me as they wanted to attend a Black yoga teacher’s class.

I was touched when they shared this and at the same time saddened that there were so few local Black teachers in their local area.

I would love to connect with fellow BAME yoga, mindfulness or other wellness professionals. Get in touch if you fancy a chat! 

Expanding my Knowledge 

I recently enrolled in a Neurodiversity Informed Mindfulness course with Mindful Society Global Institute.

Before joining the course I was aware of some of the barriers Neurodiverse people faced when attending yoga and mindfulness sessions. I had previously attended a workshop two years ago which I learned a lot from. At the time I was new to working in the wellness space and I didn't have as much experience as I do now. 

As Neurodiversity isn't something physical you can see, practitioners in the wellness space won't always know if their clients are Neurodiverse. Unless they are specifically told. 

I wanted to deepen my knowledge and understanding of how I can make my services inclusive for the Neurodiverse community. I have found the course insightful so far, and I shared practices taught in the course to participants in my Connect to Joy workshop at Discover Your Flare Festival.

There are a lot of different trauma informed trainings within the wellness space however this was the first time I had found a Neurodiversity Informed course. There will be overlaps between them but it is useful to learn specifically about Neurodiversity informed practices.

I am looking forward to sharing more of these practices in future and integrating what I have learnt into my offerings.

Supporting Others

In this last section, I wanted to discuss upon inclusivity for the LGBTQIA+ community within the wellness industry.

At the start of this year, I registered to be a member of Proud Wellness. As an Ally to the community, I wanted to increase my knowledge and understanding of ways I can show my support, advocate, and collaborate with LGBT+ individuals and businesses. Being a verified partner, in their directory, helps make people aware that my services are inclusive and welcoming for them.

If you are a part of the LGBT+ community or an Ally, I would definitely recommend exploring Proud Wellness and consider signing up to join.

I have worked with people in the LGBTQIA+ community before in the voluntary sector and within the wellness industry. I strive to make my services safe and inclusive and I am continuing to learn ways to do this through training and resources provided by Proud Wellness.

The LGBTQIA+ community are disproportionately more likely to experience poor mental health. There is additionally a large number of the community who are Neurodiverse.

I am still learning a lot and it will be a continuous journey however by taking small steps I am confident that I am making a difference to diversity and inclusion in the wellness industry.

It has been identified that people from marginalised groups have more barriers to accessing mental health, wellbeing and wellness services.

Closing Reflection

There are overlaps between the groups of people I have discussed and of course within other groups identified in the Equality Act (2010). 

I have done a variety of work relating to diversity, equality and inclusion within the voluntary sector and community education sector over the last 10+ years. This has included workshops relating to the Equality Act (2010), developing and running an Inclusion Project for children, working towards the LGBT Bronze and Silver Charter, and creating opportunities for older people to be included to reduce social isolation.

I recognise that the Equality Act (2010) does not cover everyone, for instance Asexuality is not protected under the Act. I aim to support other marginalised groups that are not yet protected under the Equality Act (2010) and help reduce barriers to accessing services to support health and wellbeing.

This is an area that I have a strong interest and passion about. I would love to do more work on this in future and connect with others who are interested in this field.

If you would like to chat more about this topic it would be great to hear from you. Feel free to message me on Instagram @butterfly_minds_ or email me at hello@butterfly-minds.co.uk 

Equity

As a gesture to make my offerings equitable and reduce the barriers people in these groups face.

I offer a 25% discount on a number of my services. If you would like to know more and request a voucher code get in touch with me at hello@butterfly-minds.co.uk