“I do not want it to end. I am physically stronger. Connecting with nature and people in a safe space has helped me broaden
my boundaries and taught me that everyone has something to offer and something to strive for, even me.”
This is a quote from Sally who attended the Women’s Woodland Wellbeing programme held by Green Light Trust in Frithy Wood, Suffolk. A women’s only course supports women who are moving on after living with an abusive partner, are in recovery from substance addiction or who have poor mental health and wellbeing.
By using meaningful work such as conservation of natural woodlands these women benefit from the healing power of nature. The woods and nature provide the safe space which, for a few hours each week, give these women the time to let their minds be freer, banish negative thoughts and leave trauma behind. They are working towards the preservation of natural woodlands, but they are working on themselves too. They travel on what at times is a painful and difficult road as week by week their wellbeing and mental health improves.
Each story is different. Some are faced with the pressures of looking after elderly and ill parents while balancing the responsibilities of teenagers. The only time away, the only time to be is in the woods – something to look forward to every week. “A little bit of space to look after me and my wellbeing before returning to the unrelenting pressures of daily life” said Pippa.
Whilst Ann, a professional in the mental health arena had been so busy helping others with their wellbeing and had referred others onto Green Light courses she had neglected her own trauma. Abused as a young woman, she had left it and not come to terms with the abuse but over time it had gnawed away inside. Ann through The Green Light Trust has been able to gain valuable self-confidence week by week and is now making the first steps in managing the trauma, so its impacts are not so over whelming.
The anecdotal feedback from Green Light Trust participants is incredible. 85% of those participants who complete a Green Light Trust course continue to engage and develop, coming back and joining us on another course, whilst others feel enabled to go out and continue their education or to get employment. The evidence is overwhelming. Nature delivers. Being out in the woods makes us feel better: it is restorative for the individual, but it benefits wider society and the natural environment too. On balance it is the individuals who we support that sum it up best in their own words. Jessie’s story makes it clear why the women’s woodland wellbeing course is effective, “I have made friends. Connected with both people and nature and realised that other people do enjoy having me around. I have been accepted for being me.”
If you would like to volunteer, support or you would like to find out more about the Green Light Trust then please contact us at info@greenlighttrust.org
For further information please visit the website at www.greenlighttrust.org
