Nature saves lives. It helps calm us, provides a space to slow down and appreciate the little things and keeps us feeling grounded. 

Right at the start of lockdown we moved all of our free Myplace ecotherapy sessions online. Meeting virtually once a week to talk about nature and our wellbeing. 

This has been a huge success and so beneficial to the local communities we work with. Particularly at a time when feelings of anxiety and isolation are heightened, whilst the services and support systems in place are still very limited. 

Primarily, Myplace is a project about getting out in nature and we have been working hard to be able to start getting people outside with us again. Whilst currently this is only at a select few locations and spaces are limited we hope that a return to the outdoors will be of real benefit to those who can get out with us. 

Jenny Reddell, Myplace Senior Project Officer said: “Making our Myplace sessions safe and enjoyable for everybody involved has always been our top priority.  

We are trialling outdoor sessions at a select few locations where we are able to social distance and have one-way systems in place.  

Our groups will be smaller, with no more than six people out at any one time and we have also adapted our activities so that no-one will need to share equipment. 

We will still be able to enjoy a lot of the things we did before, like conservation, bushcraft, mindfulness and gardening activities, as well as simply spending time in the fresh air and in each other’s company.” 

For those who are still unable to get out with us for whatever reason, our online ecotherapy sessions will continue to be available so that we can carry on supporting people to keep connecting with nature, whatever the circumstance. We have also just set up a new phone service – called Myplace @ Home for anyone who struggles to use Zoom or get a reliable internet connection. 

All our sessions are completely free and available for both adults and young people. We offer evening, as well as mid-week sessions and have just launched a group specifically for parents looking to connect with nature and each other and do something a bit different. 

Want to get involved with Myplace?

Find out more about our ecotherapy project and sign up to join us by visiting our webpage.

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