Last month, we shared how the Union’s Safeguarding Manager, Gemma, was going to be away for a four-week Yoga Teacher Training Course in Thailand.
We are delighted to welcome Gemma back this week, after successfully passing all of her assessments and qualifying as a yoga teacher!
Returning with fresh insights, experience and knowledge to go alongside her new qualification, Gemma shares some thoughts about her time away and how it will doubtless inform her role with the SNU…
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From Safeguarding Manager to Qualified Yoga Teacher
A Personal Update from Our Safeguarding Manager
Hi everyone,
Well, I’m back from Thailand, and I’m delighted to share that I successfully completed my intensive 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training at Vikasa Yoga Retreat in Koh Samui, passing all my assessments and qualifying as a yoga teacher!
What an incredible experience it has been. Four weeks of early mornings, long days, physical practice, studying, teaching and stepping well outside my comfort zone. It was challenging, sometimes exhausting, but also one of the most rewarding things I have ever done.
I went to Thailand knowing that yoga was about so much more than flexibility or mastering a particular posture, and I’ve returned with an even deeper appreciation of that. One of the most valuable lessons has been learning to recognise our limitations, respect our bodies and understand that everyone’s practice will look different.
There were also some wonderful reminders about the importance of patience, compassion and simply being present, particularly when things don’t go quite as planned!
Vikasa Yoga Retreat in Koh Samui, Thailand, where Gemma successfully qualified as a Yoga Instructor.
As I mentioned before leaving, there are many parallels between yoga and safeguarding. Both require us to recognise individual needs, respect personal boundaries, encourage choice and create environments where people feel safe, supported and empowered.
Perhaps one of my biggest takeaways is that we never stop being students. Whether we are learning something new, supporting others or developing professionally, there is always room to listen, reflect and grow.
“Perhaps one of my biggest takeaways is that we never stop being students.”
I’m now back at the College and looking forward to catching up with everyone. A special thank you to Seamus and Ross for providing safeguarding cover during my absence.
I left hoping to return a little wiser and considerably more flexible. I’m not entirely sure about the flexibility, but I’ve certainly returned with plenty of new knowledge, some wonderful memories and a qualification I’m incredibly proud of!
Gemma
Gemma Faraway
Safeguarding Manager
If you would like advice or support, you can contact:
📧 safeguarding@snu.org.uk
You can also access the SNU’s dedicated Safeguarding page, which includes information and resources, as well as a form reporting concerns and raising safeguarding issues.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this post, please feel free to get in touch.