Firefly meets…The Open Yoga Project
Ruby is a specialist child and SEND Yoga Instructor, who told us about how she uses relaxation and movement to help children with additional needs and their families.
We’re often asked, both as parents of children with Additional Needs (ASD/ADHD) and as a service helping families in similar situations, what other services and activities could we recommend for children, beyond just the obvious needs surrounding their education and therapies.
From days out to devices, and classes to calming getaways, we’re happy to recommend people and services we know in our network.
Today we meet Ruby Cracknell Wright, of the Open Yoga Project in Greenwich. Ruby is a specialist child and SEND Yoga Instructor, who told us about how she uses relaxation and movement to help children with additional needs and their families.
(Photo credit, National Maritime Museum)
The Open Yoga Project grew out of Ruby’s personal journey. During the pandemic, she discovered yoga and experienced its powerful impact on her mental health. With several years of experience in inclusive multi-sport coaching, she saw how yoga could act as a holistic tool for wellbeing, offering benefits that reach beyond the physical into confidence, resilience, and connection.
In 2022, Ruby completed her 200-hour teacher training and began teaching in settings that often go overlooked - from food banks and children’s centres to schools and hospitals. Alongside her teaching, she studied Sport, Exercise and Health Science at the University of Birmingham, graduating with First Class Honours. Her research explored how movement interventions can support children with disabilities, deepening her belief in yoga as a tool to tackle health inequalities and nurture development. She also trained in children’s, chair and SEND yoga, building the skills to work with diverse groups.
(Photo credit: National Maritime Museum)
The Open Yoga Project exists to carry this vision forward: creating safe, adaptable, and welcoming spaces where people of all ages and abilities can experience the benefits of yoga. With a particular focus on young people with SEND and underserved communities, our work is rooted in inclusion, empowerment, and the belief that everyone deserves access to practices that support health and wellbeing.
The Open Yoga Project works with families and community groups all over London, so if you are interested in booking a session for your school, nursery, community group or even just for your own children, check out the Open Yoga Project at https://www.theopenyogaproject.co.uk
Instagram: @theopenyogaproject