A Southport woman has launched a new drive to promote the benefits of yoga for children....with the help of a lovable young hedgehog called Doris.



Lindsay Flower from Birkdale has just set up her own small business, Wobbly Tree Yoga, running classes for youngsters and adults in a variety of settings including schools, nurseries, children’s centres and soft play areas, as well as one-off events at libraries and local festivals.



And to coincide with the launch of her new venture - established with the help of the Smarta Business Starter initiative run by Alt Valley Community Trust - Lindsay has written a book about Doris the Hedgehog which is designed to introduce yoga to children in a fun and safe way.



At the beginning of the book, Doris is shy and lonely and longs to make friends. The story then shows her yoga journey as, with the help of a little girl she meets, she finds the courage to become Super Doris!



Yorkshire-born Lindsay, who has been practising yoga for ten years, believes that the activity can have a very positive effect on people’s physical, emotional and mental wellbeing.



The mother-of-three explained: “Obviously yoga can help movement and posture which is important at any age because where mobility is concerned, it’s certainly a case of using it or losing it.”



Even more importantly, however, studies show that yoga is also a great antidote to the fast pace of modern life: “Children can become desensitised to their surroundings due to the development of technology, and as a result many are more prone to anxiety and stress than ever,” said Lindsay.



“That’s where yoga can help. It’s all about slowing down and learning to move in a way that helps us to become more in tune with our bodies and our environment.”



Lindsay has been running taster sessions and Doris book readings at venues across the area, and she’s been delighted with the response so far.



“All the feedback has been really positive,” she said. “The classes are different from most of the other activities the children are involved in, as they are encouraged to take time out from everything that’s going on around them.”



The evidence to date is that families also appreciate the opportunity to buy the Doris the Hedgehog book, which includes advice for parents and carers on how to join in with their little ones to continue their yoga explorations.



The accompanying Doris cuddly toys are also proving a firm favourite with younger children.



Lindsay added: “I’m really pleased with the progress the business has made so far, and can’t thank John Mathias of Alt Valley Community Trust enough for all his help and support.



“More than that though, I’m delighted that everywhere I go the children really seem to be enjoying their yoga. It’s all very positive both for them and for me.”



For more information about Wobbly Tree Yoga, or to book yoga sessions for a children’s setting, ring 07747 038613 or visit the website - www.wobblytreeyoga.com.



Meanwhile, there are scheduled upcoming sessions for children aged between four and ten, and separate family yoga classes, at Wonderful You Yoga on Lord Street in Southport, and for children aged three and four at Jollies Barn in Tarleton.



The Doris the Hedgehog book is available for purchase at Broadhursts Bookshop in Southport, Woodlands Animal Sanctuary in Ormskirk, on Amazon and at any Wobbly Tree Yoga event.