Lots of people find that being creative helps their mental health. Creative art activities can help you to communicate thoughts and feelings you may find it difficult to express in words.

Our weekly Creative Art group aims to improve mental health and reduce social isolation though creativity and conversation.

You don’t need to have any skills or experience in art to join the group. People of all abilities are welcome but we do need all of our new members to complete a referral and initial assessment before they come along. 

Creative Writing can be a form of self-expression and therapy that can offer many benefits for your mental health. Our weekly Creative Writing group provides a relaxed, informal get-together for people experiencing mental health issues who are interested in writing and want to improve their wellbeing.

The group is suitable for people of all abilities.  You don’t need to have any writing skills or experience.

Writing activities will be offered and the sessions will be supported by peer support volunteers and staff.

All are welcome to attend but we do need all of our new members to complete a referral and initial assessment before they come along.

Our weekly support group is for men experiencing mental health issues, feelings of isolation, loneliness, lack of confidence or low self-esteem.

The session offers a safe, informal and non-judgemental space to have a chat, share experiences and learn new coping strategies.

Activities and Workshops will be offered and the sessions will be supported by peer support volunteers and staff. 

All men are welcome to attend but we do need all of our new members to complete a referral and initial assessment before they come along. 

There is a small charge for attendance and refreshments. 

Our weekly support group is for women experiencing mental health issues, feelings of isolation, loneliness, lack of confidence or low self-esteem.

The session offers a safe, informal and non-judgemental space to have a chat, share experiences and learn new coping strategies.

Activities and Workshops will be offered and the sessions will be supported by peer support volunteers and staff. 

All women are welcome to attend but we do need all of our new members to complete a referral and initial assessment before they come along. 

There is a small charge for attendance and refreshments. 

What is Forest Therapy?

Forest Therapy has it’s roots in Shinrin-Yoku or Forest Bathing, a practice that originated in Japan in 1982 as part of a national health program designed to reduce population stress levels.

Forest Therapy is Forest Bathing put into practice as a nature-based intervention that targets specific mental health and physical health difficulties.

Forest Therapy has been developed as a nature connection practice that aims to enhance well-being, relieve stress, and encourage relaxation. It is underpinned by mindfulness principles, encouraging: the opening of the senses to the forest atmosphere; slowly walking through the forest; inhaling the forest air; and fostering an emotional connection to the landscape.

The groups can be run any where nature based and last 1.5 hours in duration

A route plan and risk assessment is carried out by the guide prior to the walk.

The format of the walk is a series of invitations which allow for grounding, (both in the environment and in the physical body), a slow walk where at different spots the therapist will ask various questions, introducing mindfulness through the senses, encouraging an appreciation of the environment and of group, through basic sharing; with an ending which promotes community with sharing of food and drink.

You may already have green fingers, or you may have never gardened in your life. Whatever your experience, there are many ways gardening can improve your health and wellbeing.

The Gardening group meets weekly and is a chance to get together to grow and nurture plants, develop your gardening skills, get some exercise and socialise.

No gardening knowledge is necessary just a willingness to get involved and help where you can. The group is led by staff and volunteers who will support you to participate in the different gardening activities going on at the allotment.

All are welcome to attend but we do need all of our new members to complete a referral and initial assessment before they come along.

The Walking Group meets weekly, it’s a mixed group of all ages, and walks take around an hour to an hour and half, taking place in local parks. Both walking and being in nature hold many benefits for your mental health. So, combining the two is a fantastic way to support your wellbeing. Walking is a great form of exercise. Evidence shows that regular exercise can help: An overwhelming amount of evidence shows that nature is crucial for your mental health and wellbeing.