The idea
MettaMinds and The MindKind Projects will deliver a free mental wellbeing residential weekend, held within Snowdonia National Park for between 10 to 12 participants.
Utilising skilled practitioners including a Mental Health Social Worker, qualified alternative wellbeing therapists participants will be introduced to wellbeing resilience building activities such as yoga, tai-chi, breathwork, healthy eating and accessing nature for wellbeing. These are alongside facilitated group sessions/peer support and one to one discussions around limiting beliefs, emotional regulation, trauma and goal setting and purpose.
A documentary will be filmed that will be used as a mental wellbeing resource to reduce stigma felt by men when it comes to mental health and wellbeing. Inspiring more men to address and talk about their wellbeing needs.
We aim to target men who could not ordinarily afford a retreat; are experiencing low mood or mental health and in unemployment in areas of high deprivation.
What we'll deliver
- Increased self care practices
- Wellbeing plan and pledges of self care
- Men's Mental Health Wellbeing Documentary and podcast
- Exposure to green spaces and nature to help with mental health
- Legacy of a community which will grow, and signposting if needed. Utilising the 'No wrong door' network.
- 6 support sessions post retreat over a 12 month period
- 12 men taking part in the retreat from areas of significant deprivation, isolation, minimal community
Why it's a great idea
The main benefits are:
Building a community with like minded men
A retreat focused on connection and self awareness for individuals that may need an extra ‘push’ towards long term, sustained change for positive wellbeing.
Promotion of self care tools
Bringing participants closer to nature
Over 12 months proceeding, participants can continue to connect with the community through 6 further meet ups and focused workshops focused around movement, nature and personal care and promoting the 8 steps to wellbeing. The sessions will be co facilitated by Mindkind and Mettaminds.
Participants will be supported to join existing men’s wellbeing provisions offered by The MindKind Projects and MettaMinds.
The documentary will enthuse other men in the Borough to take part in other retreats the partnership organise.
Two organisations with their specialist skills set working together for the community. Including Mental Health social work, Somatic and alternative therapies, Men's wellbeing experience
Steps to get it done
- Retreat plan promoting physical and mental self care strategies, tools and therapies. Co designed with attendees
- Attracting 12 people onto the project
- Secure a suitable location to deliver the retreat
- Planning of 6 follow up sessions incorporating workshops promoting self care
- Filming and completing a documentary type film to promote the benefits of Men's health and self care
- A podcast promoting reateats and self care in general, and follow up sessions, with open discussion and feedback
- Supporting participants to access activities, therapy or further support groups
