Every day at Kyra offers women a chance to connect, learn, and grow. From morning workshops to afternoon drop-ins, Kyra is a welcoming space where women can develop new skills and be part of a supportive community. Here’s a look at what a typical day at Kyra involves.
Morning: A Warm Welcome and Drop Ins
The day at Kyra starts early, with staff arriving around 9am to unlock the building, switch on the radiators, and prepare for the drop-in session. By 9:30am, our dedicated volunteers—longtime helpers like Sue, Beryl, Cath, and Pam—arrive, ready to welcome members.
At 10am, members start arriving for the drop-in, which runs until 12:30pm. During this session, members gather in two cozy spaces: Room 7, our living room with comfortable armchairs and sofas, and the kitchen, where we often host craft or cooking groups. It’s a relaxed time for women to socialize, enjoy tea and biscuits, and support one another in a welcoming environment.
Meanwhile, at 10:30am, our walking group sets off from the Kyra building for a stroll around York. Walking together makes it easier for members to open up and chat, and the rhythm of walking is great for both mental and physical well-being.
Midday: Lunch and Support Sessions
At 12:30pm, our volunteers begin preparing lunch for the members attending our sandwich lunch session. The spread includes a variety of sandwiches, crisps, grapes, tomatoes, cakes, and more, creating a relaxed setting for women to chat and connect. The lunch session runs until 1:30pm and offers a chance for everyone to enjoy a meal together while catching up.
For those needing extra support, Kyra also offers one-on-one sessions during this time. Whether it’s professional counseling or career guidance through our Rise2Thrive program, women can access personalized support tailored to their needs. This approach ensures that each woman receives the resources and guidance she requires, no matter where she is on her journey.
Afternoon: Skill-Building and Creative Activities
As the afternoon rolls on, the building comes alive with activity. This is when many of our skill-building workshops take place, from gardening and cooking classes to crafting groups. There’s always something hands-on happening at Kyra, and these sessions give women a chance to learn new skills while connecting with others.
Creative expression is a big part of what makes Kyra empowering. In our art workshops, women come together to paint, sew, or create pottery. These sessions aren’t just about skill development—they’re opportunities for healing, bonding, and improving mental well-being.
On Thursdays, we offer gentle yoga sessions at 3:30pm, led by Anna Semlyen, a seasoned yoga teacher with over two decades of experience. These sessions focus on posture and stability, ending with relaxation. Anna adapts the class to meet the needs of the participants, creating a supportive and calming space for everyone to enjoy the mental and physical benefits of yoga.
Evening: Choir and Wrapping Up the Day
Every other Thursday evening, from 6pm to 7:30pm, our Kyra Voices choir meets. This friendly and welcoming group is perfect for members who have a passion for singing and music, no music-reading skills required! It’s a joyful, supportive space where women can bond over their shared love of music.
As the evening choir wraps up, the day at Kyra comes to a close, with the team preparing to do it all again tomorrow—though with different sessions depending on the day. Whether it’s our poetry group on Saturdays, sound meditation on Tuesdays, neurodiversity groups on Mondays, gardening groups on Tuesdays, mindfulness courses on Fridays, or craft groups on Wednesdays, there’s always something new and meaningful happening at Kyra.
Join Us at Kyra
A day at Kyra is never quite the same, but it’s always full of connection, learning, and growth. Whether you’re joining a workshop, attending a social drop-in, or just looking for a safe space, Kyra is here for you.
Interested in supporting our mission or getting involved? Learn more about our programs, donate, or volunteer today. Together, we can continue to create a brighter future for women.
