Keep Going Keep Growing is a weekly wellbeing and nature connection session, alternating in green spaces across Bristol. The session is open to all but aimed at those with ill mental heath, suffering from mental distress, and those who are isolated.
The session combines nature connection and wellbeing practices, mindfulness, creative craftwork with gardening and growing food.
Sessions are based around the 5 pathways to nature connection:
1. Contact
The act of engaging with nature through the senses for pleasure e.g. listening to birdsong, smelling wild flowers, watching the sunset.
2. Beauty
Engagement with the aesthetic qualities of nature, e.g. appreciating natural scenery or engaging with nature through the arts.
3. Meaning
Using nature or natural symbolism (e.g. language and metaphors) to represent an idea, thinking about the meaning of nature and signs of nature, e.g. the first swallow of summer.
4. Emotion
An emotional bond with, and love for nature e.g. talking about, and reflecting on your feelings about nature.
5. Compassion
Extending the self to include nature, leading to a moral and ethical concern for nature e.g. making ethical product choices, being concerned with animal welfare.
Volunteers would ideally be comfortable outdoors, an empathetic and active listener, and enjoy meeting new people.
If you are intrested, and for more information, please email volunteering@changesbristol.org.uk