Addressing health inequalities through nature connectedness and psychotherapeutic counselling

Nature-Based Wellbeing

Holiday Club for 12-17 year olds

31st July - 2nd August, 2024
1:30pm - 4:30pm

Ashurst Village Hall, BN44 3AP

Who is this for?

12 – 17 year olds who are keen to:

feel more confident
feel happier
meet new people
be creative
get outside
learn new things

When and where is it?

Talking place in Ashurst (BN44 3AP) over 3 consecutive afternoons during the 2024 summer holidays:

Wednesday 31st July, 1:30pm - 4:30pm
Thursday 1st August, 1:30pm - 4:30pm
Friday 2nd August, 1:30pm - 4:30pm

Why nature connection?

As a society, the way we live today is more disconnected from nature than ever before, and our children's mental health is at an all-time-low.

Many of us instinctively know that being in nature is good for us, and research backs this up, showing that people who are more ‘connected’ with nature often report greater life satisfaction, lower levels of stress, anxiety and depression, and greater levels of emotional and mental wellbeing.

What's the cost?

£135 per person (for all 3 sessions)

Where is it?

Ashurst Village Hall, The Street, Ashurst, Steyning BN44 3AP.

Free parking available
Toilet facilities
Wheelchair accessible

Nature walks will take place on nearby public footpaths.

How to book

To apply for a place, please click below to submit your details. We will then be in touch with further details and information about how to secure your booking.

Apply

About the holiday club

We will start each session outside and away from screens! A short nature walk (about 45 minutes) will get us being active, introduce participants to some practical, nature-connection techniques, whilst getting some all-important Air Time!

Now, it's not rocket science, but it is science! Fostering a deeper connection to nature has been found to reduce stress, fatigue, isolation, anxiety, and depression. Participants will learn about some of that incredible science whilst we share some refreshments back at the village hall.

Drawing on principles of Ecotherapy, the Six Ways to Wellbeing, Forest School and Social & Therapeutic Horticulture, we will then continue the session with seasonal activities - e.g. caring for wildlife, nature journaling, nature art and crafts, food growing, and mindfulness.

About the facilitators

Lead facilitator Jo is an experienced Nature-Based Wellbeing Practitioner who has worked in mental health/youth and community work for 17 years. Supported by Youth Worker and Trainee Counsellor Andrew to provide inclusive, safe and supportive, small group sessions for participants to form positive new relationships, increase their emotional literacy, and learn new tools to help manage difficult feelings.

Our unique, multidisciplinary approach is possible thanks to years of experience and training. Between them, our facilitators hold the following qualifications:

Foundation Degree Working with Young People
Award in Social and Therapeutic Horticultural
RHS Level 2 Horticulture Diploma
Accredited Mental Health First Aid Instructor with MHFA England
Level 3 Education and Training
Level 3 Forest School
Mental Health First Aid

Not to mention training in Safeguarding, Level 2 Counselling Skills, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Group Work, Trauma Informed Approach, Brief Solution Focussed Interviewing, Motivational Interviewing, and ASIST.

All our lead facilitators have an enhanced DBS and Air Time CIC is fully insured. You can view our safeguarding and EDI policies here.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can you help my anxious child take part?

We're a friendly bunch with lots of experience working with children and adults who feel nervous about joining new groups. We know how daunting these things can be, so we are available to meet you first (on Zoom or in person) if it would be helpful. This holiday club is specifically aimed at teenagers who want to increase their confidence, and so it's highly likely everyone else will be feeling a similar way. We will do our best to help you get to know each other in a way that doesn't feel too overwhelming or intimidating.

My child requires 1:1 support

Whilst we are very experienced in working with young people who have social, emotional, learning, and developmental support needs, due to the nature of the activities, this holiday club is suitable for those who can complete tasks independently.

1:1 nature-based wellbeing sessions are available - please speak to us to find our more.

What if it's fully booked?

Please submit your application anyway if you would like to be added to the waiting list.

We can't make these dates, will you be running this again?

We expect to run the holiday club again during the October '24 half term. Please let us know if you'd like to be added to the waiting list.

If there is demand, we are open to running an after-school club during term times. Please let us know if you are interested.

What is your cancellation policy?

Due to limited places, we ask that if you need to cancel you give us as much notice as possible. Cancellations made 7 days or more in advance of the event date will receive a 100% refund. Unless we can fill the place, cancellations made within 3 - 6 days will will receive a 50% refund. Cancellations made within 48 hours of the event are non-refundable.