Appeal launched to save Brighton Natural Health Centre

Brighton Natural Health Centre, a charity based in the North Laine, Brighton, faces the threat of closure after 41 years due to spiralling costs and the lingering effects of the pandemic.

It is the longest-running yoga and wellbeing centre in the city, and one of the oldest in the country.

It was set up in 1981 by Infinity Foods on the site of its former warehouse which burned down in “mysterious circumstances”.

Davy Jones from Brighton Yoga Foundation said the centre has been “hugely influential” in developing a “vibrant yoga and wellbeing community” in the city and that thousands of people have passed through its doors over the decades.

As well as yoga, the centre in Regent Street offers dance, Pilates, meditation, tai chi, movement for health and more.

It also provides talks and workshops.

“It also offers some low cost and free classes for disadvantaged groups in the community,” he said.

“Thousands of people attended their first ever yoga class there, and hundreds of yoga teachers first taught there.

“It is an iconic institution in the city.”

Brighton Natural Health Centre (Image: Brighton Natural Health Centre)

But Covid, the cost-of-living crisis, and the spread of other yoga studios has affected its finances, he said.

Now, campaigners have set up a financial appeal to save the centre and are developing a “long-term sustainable model” for the centre, working with community organisations and other partners.

 “There has never been greater need for a wellbeing building like Brighton Natural Health Centre," said Mr Jones.

“It would be a tragedy to lose such a well-loved resource in the city. We will do everything we can to keep it going.”

More than 50 yoga teachers and other yoga studios have supported the appeal, which has so far raised just over £8,000.

The centre’s target is £10,000.