Ways2Raise

What is it?

Hosting a Yoga or Pilates session is a fantastic way for teens to raise funds while promoting health and wellbeing. This activity suits intermediate organisers who can either lead the session themselves or collaborate with a qualified instructor. It’s a one-hour, community-focused event that encourages participation and raises money through ticket sales or donations.

Why does it work?

People love activities that benefit their mind and body, making Yoga and Pilates sessions popular and appealing. Charging a modest fee creates a clear value exchange, and the group setting encourages a social, supportive environment where participants are more likely to attend and contribute generously. Plus, many parents and community members support youth-led initiatives, boosting turnout.

What you'll need

A suitable venue (community centre, school hall, park with good weather)
Yoga mats or ask participants to bring their own
A qualified Yoga or Pilates instructor (optional but recommended)
A way to collect payments (cash, contactless, or online via platforms like PayPal or Venmo)
Posters and flyers for advertising
Basic first aid kit
Music player (optional, for background music)

Step-by-step plan

1

Secure a venue that is spacious, clean, and accessible. Community centres or school halls often offer affordable or free space for youth projects.

2

Decide whether you will lead the session yourself if experienced, or invite a qualified instructor. If hiring an instructor, agree on their fee and availability.

3

Set a date and time, preferably after school or on weekends to maximise attendance.

4

Create eye-catching posters and flyers with all the details: time, place, cost, what to bring, and contact info. Share these around your school, local shops, and community boards.

5

Promote the event through social media channels like Instagram and Facebook, and ask friends and family to share.

6

Decide on your pricing—typically £5-£10 per person works well. Consider offering a discount for group bookings or early sign-ups.

7

Prepare the space on the day: arrange mats, set up music if using, and have your payment system ready.

8

Welcome participants, explain the session briefly, and ensure everyone feels comfortable and safe during the exercises.

9

After the session, thank all participants and gently remind them about any additional donations or future events.

10

Count the earnings, keep records, and share your success story on social media to build momentum for future fundraisers.

How to advertise it

Post flyers on school noticeboards, local cafes, and libraries
Create an event on Facebook and invite friends and family
Use Instagram stories and posts tagging local community groups
Ask your PE teacher or youth leader to mention it during assemblies
Send a message to WhatsApp groups of local youth clubs or sports teams

Realistic earnings

Most teenagers can expect to raise between £50 and £150 depending on attendance and ticket pricing. A well-promoted session with 10-15 participants paying around £7 each hits this target comfortably.

Top tips

✅ Encourage participants to bring their own mats to save costs and make set-up easier.

✅ Offer a short beginners’ intro to make the session welcoming for all skill levels.

✅ Consider running multiple sessions or combining Yoga and Pilates to attract more people.

✅ Follow up with attendees after the event to thank them and build a supporter base for future fundraisers.

Common mistakes to avoid

⚠️ Not advertising early enough—give yourself at least two weeks to promote.

⚠️ Choosing a venue that is too small or difficult to access, limiting attendance.

⚠️ Charging too much or too little—balance affordability with covering your costs.

Yoga/Pilates Session