Brave Futures is a nature-based group therapy programme for Children, Teens and Adults who have experienced grief, trauma, addictions, social isolation, anxiety and depression and other issues with their mental health and general 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 accommodates both Adults and Children, from a wide range of referral pathways, for residents throughout Essex.
Time: 10.00-15.00
Schedule: 1 day a week for 8 weeks
Group Size: Max 8 People
Locations: Chatham Green/Mann Wood, Chelmsford
& High Woods Country Park, Colchester
See below for Referral dates for each cohort.
For further information including Emergency Mental Health Support please click here
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2026 Cohort Sessions and Referral Dates
Chatham Green/ Mann Wood, Chelmsford
BF1
Adults 18+
Adults 18+
Mon Sessions
11th May
to 6th Jul
Referrals open 16/3
BF2
13-15yrs
13-15yrs
Thurs Sessions
14th MAY
to 9th JULY
Referrals open 19/3
BF3
7-10yrs
7-10yrs
Weds Sessions
16th SEPT
to 11th NOV
Referrals open 22/7
BF4
11-12yrs
11-12yrs
Fri Sessions
18th SEPT
to 13th NOV
Referrals open 24/7
High Woods Country Park, Colchester
BFA
7-10yrs
7-10yrs
Tues Sessions
24th FEB
to 28th APR
FULL – Referrals closed
Sam's Wilderness Experience
Sam joined our Brave Future’s programme 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.”
Being completely outdoors and nature-based we help people find coping mechanisms which has a direct impact on their situation in school, at home and also the community they live in. Activities include games, bushcraft, camp cooking, walking, foraging and nature art.
We have been able to offer free cohorts, via the generous funding support from Braintree Council and Eastlight Community Fund, Live Well supported by North East Essex Health & Wellbeing Alliance, active Essex, Colchester City Council, ACT and various trusts and foundations.
