Wellness classes at the Mildmay Community Centre, which are being offered free of charge

A WOMAN who is running free wellness classes has said she wants to break the financial barriers that stop many people from taking park.

Hazel Jhugroo, from the People’s Army, told the Tribune how ordinary people are excluded from the classes because of cost.

She said it was “unfair” that the expensive sessions are only reserved for the elite and has been running a weekly wellness programme out of the Mildmay Community Centre.

Dozens of neighbours have come to take part in everything from a sound bath to hypnotherapy sessions, and are only asked to pay what they can.

“People like me, we’re broke”, said Ms Jhugroo, who has organised the sessions. “I wouldn’t be able to afford to do a sound bath, they’re normally at least £30. For many people, all of that stuff is unaffordable and out of reach, so it’s really nice to get to do something for the community, and for them not to have to pay. It introduces them to things that they wouldn’t get to do otherwise.”

The UK wellness industry is valued at approximately £171billion. It is one of the fastest-growing markets globally, with influencers regularly flogging £120 face-creams and expensive meditation retreats to an audience who are consistently told they need these things to be better.

On Wednesday evening, 40 people lay around in circles on the floor as a woman hit crystal balls and rattled objects to create a calming effect.

“It’s really silent and everyone just looks like they are sleeping”, said Ms Jhugroo.

“Everyone comes out on another planet. We were so happy to just have so many people, and it’s clearly something that they want to do”.

The charity has been running weekly sessions which have included a self-defence class and an intelligent movement class. “We normally get at least 20 people come along. Some people come every week, and others just want to try out a session or two.”

The hypnotherapy class – where people sit around and participate in a guided mediation – was also a highlight.

“It was very relaxing”, said Ms Jhugroo. “Not hypnotherapy like when they make you talk like a dog.”