Social Work to SomaYoga: The creation of Cre8

I met with Julie Jones who is the creator and one of the directors of Cre8 Wellbeing Ltd Before becoming the face of Cre8 Wellbeing, Julie, spent over 30 years working with children and families as a social worker and as a practice educator. Having worked in Powys, Hampshire, London, and Cornwall, Julie dedicated her career to supporting people in need. However, the emotional demands of social work led her to experience compassion fatigue. Julie realised that in order to continue making a positive impact, she needed to focus on her own wellbeing.

In her mid-40s, Julie made the decision to retrain in trauma recovery, hypnotherapy, life coaching, yoga, breathwork, and mindfulness. This shift in focus eventually led to the creation of Cre8 Wellbeing Ltd., a non-profit organisation aimed at offering people a holistic approach to mind-body healing through the practice of SomaYoga.

What is SomaYoga?

SomaYoga is not just a traditional yoga class—it’s a comprehensive mind-body practice designed to promote healing at every level. By combining yoga, mindfulness, meditation, breathwork, and even chair yoga for those with limited mobility, SomaYoga offers a holistic approach to self-care. The practice engages the whole person, fostering a sense of physical, mental, and emotional balance.

The classes, held every Monday at 11:15 am at Hafan yr Afon in Newtown, have been well-received by the local community. After each session, attendees are invited to enjoy a cup of tea and a friendly chat, reinforcing the sense of community and connection that comes with the practice. These sessions can be booked online via the Cre8 Wellbeing website.

Working in partnership

Julie collaborates with a local physiotherapist called Beth based at Newtown’s hospital and in private practice. Beth provides expert guidance to individuals managing chronic pain or recovering from injuries, ensuring that participants are supported in every aspect of their journey toward healing.

The classes have seen a rise in popularity, partly due to the growing practice of social prescribing. Many GPs are now encouraging patients to engage in activities like yoga and mindfulness to improve both their physical and mental health. As a result, the demand for these sessions has been steadily increasing.

Free Sessions in Newtown: Making Wellbeing Accessible

In an effort to make these life-changing practices available to even more people, Cre8 Wellbeing Ltd. has been able to offer some free SomaYoga sessions for the local community. These sessions, funded by PAVO, aim to introduce people to the powerful benefits of mindfulness, breathwork, and yoga, helping them de-stress, improve their mood, and prioritise self-care. There is an upcoming session at Clatter Community Hall -Clatter, Caersws on the 2nd October.

By offering these free classes, Julie hopes to reach even more people, especially those who may not have had the opportunity to try mind-body practices before.

Future plans-  ‘Feel Better All Together’ Course

Looking ahead, Julie is developing an exciting 8-week course called ‘Feel Better All Together’. This course will integrate all of the practices taught in SomaYoga—yoga, mindfulness, breathwork, meditation, and positive mindset techniques—to help participants make lasting changes in their self-care routines. The goal is to help individuals not only relax and reduce stress but also gain practical tools to manage anxiety, boost their mood, and improve their overall wellbeing.

Having worked with countless individuals who have seen the power of mind-body practices firsthand, Julie knows that lasting change comes when people address the whole person. Many attendees have reported significant improvements in their stress levels, anxiety management, and overall quality of life. The ‘Feel Better All Together’ course aims to build on this success by providing a structured approach to healing.

Hopes for the future

Over the past three years, Cre8 Wellbeing Ltd. has worked hard to build a reputation and a strong foundation, despite the challenges of starting a business in Powys. Thanks to the dedication of Julie and the hard work of two additional directors and volunteers, the business is now thriving. 

Cre8 Wellbeing Ltd. hopes to offer even more classes and reach a wider audience. The aim is simple: to provide lasting tools for self-care, stress relief, and healing to anyone who needs them.

Interested in SomaYoga? 

If you’re interested in attending one of Julie’s classes,you can book through the Cre8 Wellbeing’s website or contact Julie at 07848808183. Together, we can work towards creating a community where mental and physical wellbeing is accessible to all.