Nature-based wellbeing programme
Free nature-based wellbeing activities for 12 to 17-year-olds
We have 2 different programmes, 'Wild Minds' and 'Find Your Wild's...Nature in Mind'. These programmes were set up to address the mental health challenges faced by young people in the UK. The 'Wild Minds' course takes place at Milton Country Park, and 'Find Your Wild’s…Nature in Mind' takes place at Wandlebury Country Park.
Both programmes focus on nature, wellbeing, bushcraft, and mindfulness. Activities include campfire cooking, survival skills, natural crafts, and canoeing.
Read our report [PDF, 6MB] for a full evaluation from our pilot programmes.
A Clinical Psychologist supports both programmes using the THRIVE model, (a national approach working to transform and integrate children’s mental health services). The programmes have these key features:
- free outdoor activities in small groups at the park
- supporting 12 to 17-year-olds' well-being
- range of outdoor activities in nature
- sessions which run for 90 minutes on a weekly basis for 8 weeks
- skilled instructors and youth workers leading the course
Age range and venue may vary for future groups.
Who can attend?
Our goal is to assist young people dealing with mild to moderate mental health issues. These may include those who are experiencing anxiety, low mood, and problems with confidence or self-esteem. You will need to be able to manage being in a group and taking part in outdoor activities, although the sessions are supported by youth workers.
The programme is for young people living in South Cambridgeshire.
Who is the course not suitable for?
The course is not suitable for:
- young people under the care of specialist mental health services, for example CAMHS
- young people who have high-risk or active suicidal thinking behaviours
- young people with a complex mix of different problems that need prioritising first, for example: eating disorders, substance abuse difficulties
- Young people where there are current safeguarding concerns that first need to be prioritised to support stability and safety.
What is the cost?
The course is free to attend, and any equipment for the activities will be provided for free.
What should I wear and bring?
Follow the dress code for outdoor activities, whether it's cold, wet, or hot. If the session involves water sports like paddle boarding, canoeing, or kayaking, opt for quick-drying clothing such as gym wear or shorts and a T-shirt. Also, bring along a towel and a change of clothing just in case.
What happens in the event of bad weather?
The Parks have cosy shelters and fire pits so the course can take place even in bad weather. There will be a programme of activities for people who have registered. Activities can be varied and led by the weather, as well as the mood of the group and the time of year.
How can I register?
Referrals can be made via YOUnited by a GP or any professional working with children or young people. Or, young people can self-refer to this free course. The easiest way to do this is to fill in our online form.
If you are a guardian, teacher, youth worker or health professional who would like to refer a young person (aged 12-17) for the course, please fill in our online form.
Do you support teenagers/young people with mild anxiety, low mood or self-esteem issues?
We want to support parents, pastoral teams, teachers, youth workers, link workers and other professionals who want to find out more about referring young people to one of our nature-based wellbeing programmes.
Dates for the next programme
Start dates may be delayed until a cohort is filled.
| Location | Date and time | Example activities | Age group |
| Wandlebury Country Park (Find Your Wild’s…Nature in Mind) |
Postponed until further notice
|
Nature walks, art in the woods, earth walks, pond dipping, plant and tree identification, and team building games. | 12 to 17 |
| Milton Country Park (Wild Minds) |
Registration for September cohort is now open. These sessions will begin on Sunday 24 September.
|
Forest school, nature walks, crafts, team building games and water sports (weather dependent). | 12 to 17 |
Watch our webinar to find out more
A webinar is run by the clinical psychologist who supports the sessions. This webinar was held on Wednesday 5 May 2021, before the course expanded its age range and number of locations.