We use our skills as qualified practitioners to enable safe therapeutic spaces for women using trauma informed care and other evidence based approaches to promote a greater understanding of individual needs and how we can take more care of ourselves, each other and the natural world. Sharing knowledge about psychological processes (psychoeducation) and having experiential sessions to give the opportunity to practice emotional coping skills. Our sessions are themed. We explore the benefits of the more-than-human world upon wellbeing. Sessions relate to seasonal changes and how they affect us biologically. We explore the positive impact of being in nature upon our mind and body. We facilitate this through activities such as mindful walking, forest bathing (Shinrin-Yoku) and wild swimming. Indoor sessions provide an opportunity to meet other women, share stories, explore bibliotherapy, listen to guest speakers, explore creative outlets, and share practical ways to promote wellbeing.

What we'll deliver:

• Minimum of six wellbeing events per year
• Increase knowledge and skills of women regarding how to improve their wellbeing/ mind-body-nature connection
• Group walks, forest bathing sessions, wild swimming, psychoeducation
• Exploring creative outlets such as reading, writing and photography upon wellbeing

Why it's a great idea:

Feedback from participants say attending the sessions and connecting with others and the sharing of professional skills leave them feeling empowered, more resilient with higher levels of self-esteem. Our sessions promote peer support and the sharing of knowledge by qualified practitioners regarding practical ways to promote wellbeing through practicing emotional coping skills. The events provide positive socialization, a reconnection to nature and oneself through adventure. Group walks and low impact physical exertion promote wellbeing. We use evidence based research around the physiological health benefits of spending time in nature to promote the Mind-body-nature sessions (ecotherapy) and to promote a greater respect and care for the natural world and consequently our local environment. Participants leave with fresh perspectives on their lives. We explore the importance of movement, through somatic awareness and embodied mindfulness encouraging women to connect to their bodies.

Steps to get it done:

• April / May prepare for future events , book indoor venues and buy resources, advertise events
• Deliver six well-being sessions throughout the year
• April–Book Club event, The Power by Naomi Alderman – reflecting upon our own power and strengths and how to harness it
• June - learning about the summer solstice and how being in nature is helpful for our wellbeing
• September – Nourishing our body and soul - exploring themes in relation to body image
• October – learning about the autumn equinox and how being in nature is helpful for our wellbeing
• January - An antidote to the New Year / new me culture/ messaging. How to develop our long term helpful habits

At the WVC we feel that the traditional women’s circles are being lost with modern living and are being replaced with more online connections. The WVC seeks to rebuild this valuable face to face connection, we promote women connecting with themselves more, with each other and nature. When women’s wellbeing is thriving, the community thrives.We think peer support is one of the most powerful ways to empower each other and take care of each other and as qualified practitioners we are skilled to facilitate this safely. We have been facilitating WVC wellbeing sessions since 2019 and they are well attended. We also have a Facebook group with 532 members. The aim for this is to maintain the connection with each other between sessions. It is also an opportunity to share information about wellbeing between peers in the form of peer support.