People of all ages say they get a great deal out of being outdoors. Spending time in beautiful, tranquil places is in itself very calming and stress-reducing. Alongside this, trying new things, gaining new skills and learning ways to relax in the outdoors can be hugely uplifting and provide an invaluable opportunity to improve our confidence, self esteem and resilience.

Since the Coronavirus pandemic, many people have been able to experience the therapeutic power of being outdoors. We are interacting with nature in every moment, from the air we breathe, to the food we eat. Nature is always supporting us, providing us with clean air, inspiring us with its beauty, encouraging us to connect with the landscape. At Nature Works, we want to offer young people a multitude of different ways to connect with nature.

Drop ins

Nature Works drop in is for anyone aged 15-25 to come spend time outdoors and explore how nature can support your wellbeing. We have a lush space at Springfield Allotments in Knowle where you can expect anything from fire building and cooking, to learning about nature (gardening, animals, the night sky, plants & herbs) and practicing nature-based mindfulness/relaxing with the help of nature.

We’ll also be exploring our connection to nature through creative ways and green crafts, for example making bird feeders, insect hotels, making art using nature elements or practicing photography, collages and creative writing) – no crafty/creative/nature experience needed! Coming along and just having a chat and a snack in a lush space outdoors is also very much encouraged. 
You are welcome to sign up, or just drop in every Monday from 5 to 7.30pm at Knowle Roundhouse in Springfield Allotments, 50-52 Andover Road, Knowle

If you’d like to have a chat before coming along/signing up, you can call or text Max (they/them pronouns) on 07943756151.

1:1 Therapy

Nature Works Therapy – Spending time in beautiful, tranquil places is in itself calming and stress-reducing and gives us more energy. Some young people find it helpful to be able to process their feelings while walking or sitting alongside a therapist in nature and talking. Nature Works offers therapy for young people aged between 11-18 who may be struggling with their mental health, and want to foster a connection to nature. We work with nature to support the therapy process. You will be signed up to a therapist who works outdoors, with the aim of meeting with them regularly over a period of 6-8 weeks.
Sign up here.

Read more from one of our therapists about why working in nature is great

Nature Works, Sport Works, and Art Works sit within OTR’s Community Partnerships Team. These projects are designed to offer you an alternative approach to mental health care. We want to offer a wide breadth of services to ensure that you can feel empowered and in control of your health and wellbeing, on your own terms.

We recognise that some young people face barriers to accessing mental health support, and so we actively encourage and invite young people from working class backgrounds, young people with disabilities, young men, young people with experience of care, young people for whom English is a second language, LGBTQ+ young people and young people of colour to our service. Please let us know if you are struggling to access support, for whatever reason, and we will try to support you to overcome those barriers. For example, we can work with interpreters, support you with route planning to get to the project, or offer additional emotional support.

We look forward to welcoming you to one of our projects soon!