A Lifetime of Service: Sefali Dhani’s Yoga Journey
When you walk into a Heston Wellness Centre (HWC) session and see 60 seniors moving in perfect unison, it’s easy to see the "what" of our organisation. But to understand the "why," you have to look at the woman at the front of the room: Sefali Dhani.
For over two decades, Sefali has been much more than just a yoga teacher. She has been a campaigner, a confidante, and a catalyst for change in Heston. Today, we’re taking a moment to look at the incredible contribution she has made to our community.
A Mission Born from Local Need
Sefali’s journey didn’t start in a high-end fitness studio. It started in the community halls and living rooms of Heston. With a background in law and a passion for wellness, Sefali noticed a worrying trend: many of our local residents, particularly elderly women and those from the South Asian community, were falling through the cracks of mainstream healthcare.
They didn't want a "one-size-fits-all" gym; they wanted a space where their culture was respected, their physical limitations were understood, and their voices were heard. Sefali stepped up to fill that gap.
20 Years of Health Equity
Sefali’s contribution is defined by her "radical inclusivity." Long before "social prescribing" became a buzzword in the NHS, Sefali was practicing it. Her work has been instrumental in:
Championing Women’s Health: Through her partnerships with Shewise, Sefali has provided a safe haven for women to focus on their well-being, often overcoming cultural barriers to exercise.
Specialist Senior Care: Recognising that a fall in later life can be a life-changing event, Sefali spent years perfecting her Chair Yoga and Falls Prevention programmes. She has turned the "scary" prospect of exercise into a joyful, social experience for those in their 70s, 80s, and 90s.
Dementia Advocacy: By working with the Alzheimer’s Society, Sefali has ensured that HWC is a "Dementia-Friendly" space, providing rhythmic, calming sessions that offer respite and connection for both patients and their carers.
The Human Touch
If you ask any of our 300 students what makes Sefali special, they won't talk about her qualifications (though her 20 years of experience and LLB degree are impressive). They will talk about her memory.
Sefali knows the names of her students. She knows who is recovering from a hip operation and who has recently lost a spouse. During the heights of the pandemic and through local lockdowns, she was a digital lifeline, ensuring that the "Heart of Heston" kept beating even when the community hall doors were closed.
A Founder with a Vision
As HWC moves into its next chapter as a Registered Charity, Sefali’s role has evolved. While she remains our Lead Instructor, her leadership as a Director ensures that the "Heston Spirit" is baked into every policy and grant application we write. She has built a board of independent professionals to ensure that HWC survives and thrives for the next twenty years.
A Message from Sefali
"Heston isn't just where I work; it's my home. Seeing a student who once struggled to walk now standing tall and laughing with their friends is why I do this. Every resident in Heston deserves to age with dignity, strength, and a sense of belonging."