TSYP’S LANDMARK YEAR BRINGS COMMUNITY SUPPORT IN DARKER TIMES
From hospices to refugee centres, The Society of Yoga Practitioners celebrates its first year as a charity by shining a light on members transforming lives through compassion and connection.
T his year marks a significant milestone for The Society of Yoga Practitioners (TSYP) — its first year of accreditation as a charity. To celebrate, TSYP is offering a rare insight into the quiet dedication of its members and their impact on community health and wellbeing.
Based in the UK and boasting an international membership of yoga teachers, therapists, and practitioners, TSYP’s reputation is built on the contributions of its members and their commitment to supporting a wide range of community projects.
Its initiatives include training programmes that exceed current UK standards and meet the highest European and international benchmarks. TSYP also provides access to workshops open to members and non-members, free online programmes such as the 2025 YouTube series “Yoga for Darker Times”, online yoga practices, and financial assistance for students in need.
Among its long-standing members is Susan Dick, a UK yoga therapist based in Oxshott, Surrey. Susan practised yoga for 20 years before training as a teacher and therapist, drawn to the traditions of Professor Krishnamacharya and TKV Desikachar, with their focus on alleviating human suffering — an ethos she embraced during her training with mentor Colin Dunsmuir.
Susan reflects, “My role as a yoga therapist and teacher has provided immense positivity and fulfilment. Knowing that my students face diverse health issues and challenges, it is humbling when they share how much yoga has helped them.”
Her teaching journey began unexpectedly when she visited a friend with early onset Alzheimer’s at Emberbrook Nursing Home, which had recently lost its yoga teacher. She remarks, “Initially hesitant, as I was only in my first year of training, I consulted my teacher, Colin, who encouraged me to proceed. I continued teaching there for almost ten years.”
Since then, Susan has taught at St Raphael’s Hospice for over 14 years, adapting to changes such as the move to online classes during COVID, and now running weekly sessions for outpatients, widows, and those experiencing grief. She explains, “They’re learning to live as fully as possible since their loss, and I want to help facilitate that.”
She also runs yoga sessions for women with Refugee Action Kingston (RAK), continuing online even during the pandemic to provide vital connection and support. “The feedback has been that the attendees really appreciate the classes, but I’ve also learned so much from working with these diverse groups. It’s enriched my understanding of life.”
Karin Worthy, TSYP Chair, says: “It is the quiet but unshakeable belief that through yoga, we can nurture growth, resilience, and connection. We appreciate donations that allow us to keep teaching and sow this faith in our students — offering them not just practice, but belief in themselves.”
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