The idea
Chatting Chimers Nest will become a creative, mindfulness hub for marginalised women in Nelson.
- 2-hour weekly workshops for 2 groups will offer arts & crafts, movement, & other creative activities.
-Drop-ins will enable women who can't attend dedicated workshops to join.
- 4 Nature trips will reconnect women with the outdoors to spark creativity, mindfulness & inner calm.
- Women will develop confidence, emotional resilience, & skills for future employment or self-employment.
- It will welcome women experiencing multiple barriers, including isolation or financial hardship to improve well-being & develop skills for growth
- Funding will secure a permanent, accessible venue, staff, project materials & transport.
- Small contributions from participants (who can), will support long-term sustainability.
- Rooted in Creative Mindfulness, the hub will enable healing, hope, & belonging for 25+ women through workshops & many more through drop-ins.
What we'll deliver
- A permanent creative mindfulness hub in Nelson with space, equipment & resources to support learning through healing
- 12 themed creative mindfulness workshops each (2 hours each) for 2 groups of 10–15 women
- 2 weekly drop-in sessions over 40 weeks—low-pressure spaces for tea, informal creativity, and connections
- 4 nature trips to local green spaces for inspiration, reflection, and emotional wellbeing
Why it's a great idea
Chatting Chimers Nest will offer a permanent, uplifting hub in Nelson for women from marginalised backgrounds, which will improve the local area.
- It will tackle isolation & poor mental health through creative expression, mindfulness, & nature-based activities.
- Women facing multiple barriers, including poverty, trauma, cultural barriers, or mental health challenges will attend weekly workshops and drop-ins.
- They’ll build confidence, explore skills, share stories, & find peace in a safe, welcoming environment.
- There are limited local, women-led spaces that support healing & creativity & non like our model. Community feedback confirms demand.
- One woman shared, “It’s nice to get out of the house to relax the mind” others welcome no-pressure, restorative spaces.
- It will improve wellbeing, build social trust & help progression into volunteering, employment, or leadership.
- The impact: reduced loneliness, greater inclusion, & stronger, more cohesive community bonds
Steps to get it done
- Milestone 1: Secure & Set Up the Community Hub (Month 1) Confirm and lease an accessible venue in Nelson
- Milestone 2: Outreach & Participant Engagement (Weeks 3–5)
- Milestone 3: Launch Creative Workshops & Drop-Ins (Month 2 onwards)
- Milestone 4: Begin Nature Trips (Month 3)
- Milestone 5: Midpoint Review - Celebration & Showcase Creative Items (Month 6)
- Milestone 6: Project Wrap-Up & Next Steps (Month 10)
