Social Prescribing
Nature and Therapy CIC
Our community runs Forest Bathing sessions across the UK for different groups in need – from the parents of children suffering mental health challenges, to those in recovery or coping with grief.
Our aim is for everyone to be able to access the proven benefits of nature connection – regardless of their income or circumstance, and when they need it most. We are currently growing the practical and financial support we offer to graduates to set up and run their own social prescribing projects through our CIC.
We also offer social prescribing projects “in house” that we have developed with partner organisations in Devon and Cornwall. Graduates are able to assist on these projects in order to grow their skills in working with different groups. Read about some of these projects below.
The Pelican Project, Exeter
Pelicans in the Wild
We have been collaborating with the fantastic Pelican Project in Exeter to give young adults with complex disabilities and SEN the chance to get out into nature and to experience its benefits for themselves. Our multi-sensory sessions have been a blast! They show us just how much these young people can teach us about the joy of connecting to our natural surroundings and finding the confidence to get out of our comfort zone…whether it’s jumping in the River Dart or tasting foraged food!
Dartington Woods
Forest Wellbeing Cafe
Our free drop-in social prescribing project based at The Glade in Dartington Woods.
We meet fortnightly in the woods for forest bathing that supports mental health, alongside free teas and coffees, and woodland crafts. We welcome anybody who is experiencing difficulties or challenges in their mental health.
This project will restart in spring 2025.
“The Woods for Wellness programme has been transformational for me and has offered a welcoming space where I can be accepted as my authentic self, have respite from my mental difficulties, and find peace during a period when my life has been most turbulent.
Experiencing and connecting with the woods throughout the changing seasons, and engaging in activities to consciously channel my awareness through the different senses, has brought a new awareness of my own place within nature; I have felt humbled and relieved to realise my own insignificance.”
Elly
If you are like myself and suffer with your mental health, I would highly recommend the woods for wellness group run by Stefan and the other facilitators who I have met at the fortnightly groups. It’s in a beautiful setting and is a very friendly welcoming relaxed environment.
And I am now me and I like being me. No drugs no drink, just me and I feel great and my bank balance looks a lot better for it to.
The woods for wellness group has been a big part of my journey and I look forward to going to the group and meeting people like myself there, Stefan’s knowledge of nature and how he helps you connect with nature is special and he is a very knowledgeable person… it’s a group that does not judge who or how you are it’s a very kind gentle relaxed environment that’s also welcoming.
John
Together Drug and Alcohol, Exeter
Nature Connection for Recovery
In 2024, we ran 2 days of Forest Bathing for the service users of the Together Drug and Alcohol project in Devon. It was reminder that just 2 days can make a real difference in people’s lives. We hope to collaborate again in 2025!
I just wanted to say a very big thank you for offering to put on this special 2 day of Forest Bathing for our service users!
It was a huge success! And to see and hear how our clients have benefited is very special.
You were (are) both so warm, calm, inviting, patient, nurturing and empowering – with your wealth of knowledge, compassion, kindness, attentive and gentle approach, thoughtful practice, and beautiful presence – I am filled with joy that everyone got to experience that from you both!
Jacqueline Turner, Community Development Lead, Together Drug & Alcohol
I left Spitchwick with a very special feeling & I slept better than I have done probably this year and I had so much to tell my son & partner. I enjoyed it so much and I’m looking forward to our next adventure together.
Abi, service user, Together Drug & Alcohol