About this event

Our supportive group is a wonderful way to help improve wellbeing, get outdoors and reconnect with yourself & others in nature. There is lots of evidence for the benefits of being in nature and how it can improve mental & physical health and confidence. Our group invites participants to tune in with all their senses, and discover the beauty and restorative impact of spending time outside and enjoying food with others.

Typical groups include:

• An invitation to slow down, and try some gentle mindfulness and nature-connection activities
• Exploring the South Downs through short guided walks
• Learning natural crafts and traditional skills
• Visiting a local farm & learning about farming on the Downs
• Simple communal cookery over the fire & shared meals (Weather permitting – we have an indoor space as backup if needed)

When: This group starts Thursday 15th October and runs every Thursday for 6 weeks, until Thursday 19th November. Applicants must be available for all sessions. There will be more groups later on in the year, usually on a Thursday.

Time: Each session runs 10.15am (minibus pickup) – 2.30pm (minibus drop off).

Free transport will be provided from central Brighton.

Who is it for? People with a long-term mental health condition such as depression, anxiety, stress, or another mental health diagnosis. Please note, whilst our groups are designed to be supportive and adaptable, we may not be able to offer places to people who have very high support needs or multiple and complex diagnoses. If you are unsure, please complete the application form with as much information as you can, and we will be in touch. There will be up to 12 participants per group.

Venue and facilities: We will be based at the Food Partnership Clubhouse on Saddlescombe Road, BN1 8AX, where there are toilets and hand washing facilities. The Clubhouse is located within Wilding Waterhall, a local nature reserve & Brighton’s newest rewilding project.

Accessibility: Most of our activities are accessible to those with moderate mobility (our walks are typically up to an hour at a relatively slow pace). However, there are some steep slopes and uneven ground, so this group will unfortunately not be accessible to those who need assistance with walking or wheelchair users. Participants will need to wear sturdy shoes and clothing appropriate for the weather.

Dietary requirements: Tea & coffee, light refreshments, and lunch will be provided at every session. We want everyone to feel comfortable and cared for on this course. Please let us know if you have an essential dietary requirement – for example, due to allergy, medical condition or religious practice (we can’t always accommodate personal food preferences, so please only share what’s necessary on the application form). One session will feature a collaboration with our local sustainable meat project Sussex Grazed and one meat-based dish will be served at lunch, alongside a veggie/vegan option if required.

Regularly attending these outdoor wellbeing sessions has had a significant impact on my mental wellbeing. Specifically, they’ve helped me to reduce my anxiety and increase confidence around social interactions. It has given me a sense of purpose and belonging.

About your leaders: Our session leaders from the Food Partnership are experienced in ecotherapy and have been delivering similar groups in Brighton & Hove for many years. We are also founding members of the Sussex Green Wellbeing Alliance.

Read our blog to find out more about what previous participants said about the course.

Project background:

Growing New Roots is part of an ambitious, UK-wide National Lottery project – Extended Table.

Extended Table is a new, five-year project, aiming to transform the food system. The project uses food to create inclusive social spaces that support marginalised people affected by multiple challenges. It aims to build communities, amplify participant voices and promote systemic change.