The stresses of modern life are weighing on many of us, from the struggle to switch off to the blurring of work and home life. For the past three years, a monthly dance session has been quietly helping local people to take a break from it all.

With so many people working from home at a computer all day, anxiety coach Claire Humphries saw how important it is to move, to have social connection and time away from devices. She started Conscious Dance and Movement as a simple way to support health, create community, and have a fun way to dance and move in Hitchin.

"Loneliness, stress and anxiety are some of the biggest worries I hear from people, and so many of us spend our days sitting still," says Claire. "Dance helps with all of it. It gets you moving, lifts your mood and brings you together with other people, without any pressure to perform."

There are no steps to learn - people move to the music or rest as they like, so there's no need to be fit or a "dancer". People of all ages and levels of fitness come along, and the most common thing Claire hears is that people feel peaceful, present and more alive after.

Regular dancer Mira, from Hitchin, said the sessions create "such a lovely community space for connection with self and others," adding: "It's not easy bringing people together, but Claire has weaved some lovely magic for the Dance to unfold in community."

The next session, a third birthday celebration, is on Thursday 26 November, 7.30pm to 9pm, at Tilehouse Street Baptist Church Hall Studio, Upper Tilehouse Street, Hitchin. New dancers are warmly welcome, but booking is essential.

For more information, visit findingthejoy.co.uk/dance.