Brave Futures is a nature-based group therapy programme set up to support clients who have experienced grief, trauma, addictions, social isolation, anxiety and depression which has affected their mental health and wellbeing
The last decade has seen a huge shift in how we talk and think about mental health. This mindset shift has given rise to preventative and proactive mental health support – particularly the benefits of spending time outdoors. At the Wilderness Foundation we have a long history of holistic, early intervention work, supporting vulnerable groups and individual clients with the healing power of nature and the outdoors. Our Brave Futures programme, funded initially by The National Lottery Community Fund, and now continued through Essex County Council, accommodates both Adults and Children, from a wide range of referral pathways. The details of our two new 2021 cohorts are listed below with dates of a further four to be announced later in the year. Please note this programme is for people in Essex only and places will be offered on first-come-first-served basis while late referrals will be put on waiting list.
Time: 10.00-15.00
Schedule: 1 day a week for 8 weeks
Group Size: Max 8 People
Location: Chatham Green/Mann Wood, Chelmsford, Essex
Sam joined our Brave Future’s programme last year and had this to say about his time with us,
“My experience with nature based therapy has been overwhelmingly positive and has made a real difference to my mental and physical health. I personally believe that there’s great value in removing yourself from the stresses of daily life and moving to a place where time seems to stand still and you’re only focusing on your basic needs. In my opinion, this relaxes you more than if you were just meditating at home or trying hard to relax.
Doing group therapy in a nature based setting increases its effectiveness tenfold. Using objects in nature to express yourself and be creative as well as lowering the barriers that society makes us put up, the fear of being judged or dismissed. Being able to share in a group and hearing other people speak has been extremely powerful. For me personally, being circled around a fire calms my mind and takes away the stress and worries of life. I am not thinking about chores, projects or any other distractions. I can focus completely on myself.”
COHORTS FOR 2021
If you think you know someone who would benefit from this FREE service then please get in touch or download and complete our referral form and email it through to us or send a hard copy in the post.
