Get outside and feel better. Our therapeutic activities can help improve wellbeing, physical and mental health and connect you to other people.
We support people on their wellbeing journey, in safe, supportive and friendly outdoor spaces. Our projects are run by professional and qualified staff experience in a wide range of outdoor skills.
Our projects are located in geographic locations across Brighton, Hove and Sussex – from urban allotments and parks to downland and farms. We run a range of activities such as:
- Short courses on nature & wellbeing, with transport provided
- Weekly open volunteer days at a range of outdoor sites
Typical activities at our sessions might include:
garden tasks like clearing, weeding & planting; conservation, walks, woodwork, animal care, cooking, bushcraft, mindfulness and relaxation strategies.
Any physical activities are adaptable to all abilities and often provide a gentle introduction to exercise.
How to get involved
Browse our listings for member projects to find out about their locations and specialisms and contact them directly to join. If you’re unsure which project might be suitable for you, please contact us.
What we’ve heard from participants and supporters
“Sharing outdoor space, appreciating nature with others is special. Sharing experiences and skills, whatever they may be, in a beautiful setting and the fresh air is revitalising. These organisations are amazing and life-changing. I am evidence of that.”
Referrer
“He has historically got in to fights with people but he found the setting of an allotment helped him manage his anger and he knew he could walk away if he needed to. The knock on effect of this has been him moving through band 2 accommodation in to band 3 and maintaining abstinence from alcohol, drugs and begging.”
– Referrer –
The Grow Project
“It’s been worth more and more useful to me than all the psychotherapies I’ve had. It’s been amazing for me.”
– Grow participant –
Rock Farm
“Volunteering at Rock Farm is integral to my mental health and physical wellbeing and a key day in my week... it has become my safe space; a slice of normality and peace during challenging and uncertain times. "
- Rock Farm volunteer -
Food Partnership
“Now I’m at stage now where I want to get right stuck in with it all, I want to give something back now and I’ve come a long way in my recovery. It given me a different view of living in this city coming to gardens like this and I feel I want to move towards helping other people in gardens like this who used to feel like me.”
– Food Partnership volunteer –
Referrer
“The work that the Food Partnership do is truly amazing and really inspiring for the health and wellbeing of our clients.”
– Referrer –
Plot 22
“This is the first place I've come out to on my own for a very long time. I was worried I wouldn't be able to cope but...I'd really like to come regularly. I've really enjoyed it.”
– Plot 22 participant –
Centre for Ecotherapy
“I’ve found taking part in this programme much, much, better than any of the counselling I have received.”
– Centre for Ecotherapy participant –
The Grow Project
“In the past few years since I started experiencing anxiety, I’ve realised how important getting outdoors is on a regular basis…this course has just really brought home how essential it is for me to do exactly that… I feel like Grow has really set me up for life.”
– Grow participant –
“For a long time there was no way anyone would employ me for volunteering because of my past, just a long string of shoplifting over and over, so I just carried on drinking, but now people are giving me a chance with projects like this and so I can finally start to move on. This is me, I love it, being outdoors, I do volunteering in other places two other days a week so I’m getting sorted.”
Referrer
“I want to thank you so much for protecting a space and facilitating sessions specifically for our Mill View service users. The feedback from staff and patient has been really positive... On our sessions so far I have observed our service users increase in mood, social interaction and reduction in mental distress, [participants] engaged in the activities, inspired by the relaxing environment and thoughtful and engaging education.”
– Referrer from Millview Hospital –
Food Partnership
“This garden has been a lifeline for me, I don’t know what I would have done without it. These opportunities have changed my life for the better and I’m so grateful.”
– Food Partnership participant –
“I've found myself utilising skills learnt and drawing on experiences and feelings I've had had in various eco-therapy groups... building resilience and coping strategies for wider life and the future.”
The Grow Project
“Helped me with anxieties which I am always struggling and living with. Helped me in a group environment to socialise and feel part of nature and in a group.”
– Grow participant –
“My mental and physical wellbeing has been significantly helped by attending these groups. Having a regular commitment at a certain day and time really helps with my structure and routine which is really important... The safe and welcoming space of these groups is also brilliant. It helps reduce anxiety and manage my overall health and wellbeing.”
The Wild Mind Project
“I think this is the best activity programme that could be prescribed to young people with mental health issues and I really feel happy with what’s come out of it, and I’ve made a supportive group of friends – I would encourage anyone to do it and if I could I would love to do it every week.”
– participant –
Living Vital
“I love learning more and more with such an inspiring team. It’s a project that creatively inspires and creates a place of sanctuary for both plants and people. After working with other refugee charities, I’ve learned that outdoor spaces (like this) are invaluable for a sense of belonging and community”
– participant –
Refer a client
(for professionals)
Professionals are welcome to contact us to refer a client who could benefit from a therapeutic outdoor activity.
Organise a group activity
Do something fun, healthy and memorable outside your regular working environment.