Norfolk Mums and Babies Benefit from New “Green Prescription” Wellbeing Project
This week, seven staff members from the Kingfisher Unit at Hellesdon Hospital are beginning training in the ZenMuma Mum and Baby Yoga Programme — part of an inspiring new initiative designed to support mums and babies across Norfolk through yoga and mindful wellbeing.
The training is part of the SunFyr Community Project, launched by Freedom Wellbeing Project CIC with funding from the National Lottery Community Fund. The project aims to bring accessible yoga and wellbeing sessions to families who might not otherwise have the opportunity — including mothers receiving care in hospital settings and those living in rural Norfolk.
Led by wellbeing specialist and University of East Anglia graduate Jackie Heffer-Cooke, the project is already transforming postnatal wellbeing by offering free mum and baby yoga sessions — often called “green prescriptions” for their focus on natural, community-based approaches to health.
Bringing Wellbeing into Healthcare
The Kingfisher Unit, based at Hellesdon Hospital in Norwich, provides specialist perinatal mental health care for mothers experiencing postnatal depression, anxiety, or trauma.
Through the SunFyr Community Project, seven Kingfisher staff members are now being trained in ZenMuma Mum and Baby Yoga, allowing therapeutic yoga and mindfulness to become part of everyday care on the unit.
“We hope this funded training will empower staff to use yoga, mindfulness, and breathwork as tools for connection and recovery,” says Jackie. “It’s about helping mums feel safe in their bodies, calm in their minds, and bonded with their babies — restoring confidence and nurturing both physical and emotional health.”
What Is a Green Prescription?
A green prescription is a community-based wellbeing approach that encourages people to use movement, mindfulness, and time in nature to improve physical and mental health. Instead of relying solely on medication, green prescriptions provide practical tools for long-term resilience and recovery.
Recent studies show that green prescriptions can significantly reduce stress, anxiety, and depression while boosting overall wellbeing. For new mothers, they also help rebuild physical strength after birth and provide much-needed social connection.
Feedback from SunFyr Community Project participants has been overwhelmingly positive — with 100% of mothers saying they found the sessions valuable for both their mental and physical health.
At SunFyr Barns, near Norwich, mothers from the Kingfisher Unit have described practising yoga in a peaceful countryside setting as “transformative” — a chance to relax, reconnect, and find a sense of calm outside the hospital environment.
A Mission Rooted in Lived Experience
Jackie Heffer-Cooke, who has spent over 15 years teaching yoga and developing wellbeing training across Norfolk, says the project comes from her own experience of early motherhood.
“When I was postnatal, I remember feeling isolated and unsure of myself,” she shares. “Yoga helped me find strength, calm, and community again. Through projects like this, we’re creating that same opportunity for other mothers — whether they’re at home, in hospital, or rebuilding confidence after birth.”
Building Community Partnerships
The Freedom Wellbeing Project CIC is now inviting health professionals, charities, and community organisations to collaborate in expanding access to these free mum and baby wellbeing classes across Norfolk.
Organisations interested in hosting sessions or referring mothers can contact the team directly, while families are encouraged to join free community classes at SunFyr Barns, a dedicated wellbeing hub just outside Norwich.
🌿 Learn more or get involved
📧 team@sunfyrbarns.co.uk