As the country reeled from the news of the Manchester terrorist attack last Monday evening, a local yoga teacher, from Camerton, has moved quickly to make sure teenagers in need can have access to vital free care and emotional support.

Charlotta Martinus, who runs Universal Yoga from Dunkerton, is using her work through the charity she began, the Teen Yoga Foundation, to pool together support from teachers across the country and offer free yoga classes at the Life Centre, in Manchester, during half-term, for those in need.

Speaking to The Journal this week, she said: “Our hearts broke at the news of 22 lives cut short by a brutal and senseless killing. The innocence lost on that day is unimaginable, and the suffering of friends, close ones and families, beyond comprehension.

“At times like these, we all want to do something, but often feel locked in grief and confusion. Out of this horror and paralysis came the galvanisation of some well-trained, experienced and local volunteers, who want to support the children who are grieving and traumatised.”

Charlotta immediately set about preparing specialists in the field to train teachers in how to support young people during this difficult time, including simple ways to help calm pupils – evidence-based and extensively tested. It works through five steps to help those taking part feel safe, to allow emotions, and to release trauma held within the body as a psychological and physiological response.

She adds: “The idea was initially for teens, but now it is for anyone affected by the trauma of last week’s attack, and they can come along for free. We have provided free training for teachers, and they are donating their time for free, too. The idea is also growing in that we now want to offer training for schoolteachers to help students in local schools in the city, who have been affected and need help. They are also well placed to recognise trauma – often, in schools, it is about managing behaviour, but we hope that through this work as well, teachers can offer emotional support.

“The idea came to me incredibly quickly and has gathered momentum ever since. I kept asking myself what I could do to provide relief, help and support.

“I have been amazed by the offers of help by yoga teachers from across the country. If we can relieve suffering in some small way, any way, well, that is the greatest gift we can give.”

Charlotta has specialised in yoga and mental health, working as an NHS therapist, and last year travelled to Sierra Leone, a country affected by civil war and the devastating ebola virus, alongside a psychologist, to train a group of men and women to offer yoga therapy for trauma.

The Teen Yoga Foundation is a registered charity to promote the well-being of young people through yoga in schools and other environments, both in the UK and abroad. Donations to help the teachers’ travel expenses to Manchester are being gratefully received via the website: www.teenyogafoundation.com