This Leader funded project consisted of 4 Nature Connection and Wellbeing courses, 4 Digital Storytelling course and 2 Nature Connection Leader Training Courses.
Nature Connection and Wellbeing courses
The Nature Connection and Wellbeing course were held over 6 weeks in 4 different locations; Pembroke Dock, Haverfordwest, Wildlife Centre in Cilgerran and Lawrenny. They were designed for anyone who wanted spend time outdoors, focus on their wellbeing, connect with nature, spend time with others and learn new skills. Our theme for the sessions was the seasons, with each location under a different season.
Feedback from participants
“All aspects of the course were beneficial to me. I enjoyed
the outdoor location, the company of the leaders and the
participants. All of these factors contributed to an
increased sense of faith in my reality as it seemed the
course days were tailored for people that have been and
are in my situation, “recovery”.“I was very touched by the generosity, openness and
genuineness of course leaders and participants. This has
been an extremely positive experience for me.”
Digital Storytelling
Alongside this group we also ran Digital Media Storytelling course to help people make their own films using mobile phones and tablets.
Here are some videos from these courses made by the participants:
Nature Connection Leaders Course
This was a trial of our train the trainer course and was delivered to 17 participants. It has empowered, nurtured and trained a group of volunteers and professionals to become accredited nature connection activity leaders to assist in the delivery of the “ nature connections and wellbeing” course. The three elements it has focused on are:
- Using nature based activities for wellbeing
- Understanding wellbeing and peer supported
mental health - Facilitating and managing nature-based wellbeing
groups.
Feedback from participants
this course was hugely beneficial in giving me ideas and insight into adding another dimension to future workshops led in an outdoor context. I also feel that the tools and skills shared and learnt within the course may be used in groups/workshops for activities not immediately linked to outdoor and wellbeing pursuits; in terms of ways to communicate and listen to others with care and understanding.
