The aim of the four-week project, funded by Northumberland Citizens Advice, is to connect a group of adults (aged 25+) to the natural world to help support their mental health and well-being.
Studies have shown that spending time outdoors in green spaces has a positive impact on everyone’s health and well-being. Most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a staggeringly negative impact on people’s mental health, which has led to the wildfire charity offering the service to support each participants’ personal development through green prescribing.
Scheduled to start on Tuesday 1st March and run until Tuesday 22nd March, the group will meet on a weekly basis in the beautiful surroundings of its Northumberlandia reserve in Cramlington.
Under the watchful eye of the Lady of the North herself, participants will be encouraged to participate in a journey including practical activities, mindfulness sessions and learn about wildlife, nature and the environment. They will partake in forest and bush-skills activities throughout the project as well.
‘Growing with Nature’ is led by Northumberland Wildlife Trust’s Green Mentor Demmi Robinson and Education Officer Julia Carr. Together they will create a safe environment for participants, facilitate the sessions and support them throughout their journey of growth. Although, they are not mental health trained, they have direct connections to support services and signposting information/helplines to ensure all participants feel supported.
Anybody interested in participating should email Demmi at demmi.robinson@northwt.org.uk
