Parent and carer wellbeing project
About this initiative
Ciaran has partnered with Heath Hands (of Hampstead Heath) and is offering FREE nature mindfulness sessions for parents / carers of young people facing challenges, such as being treated for a mental health condition, or dealing with other diagnoses.
The programme of mindful walks (also known as Forest Bathing) will run for a period of 3 months, from mid October - December, 2024. Participants are welcome to join the walks at any stage.
The purpose of the walks is to encourage parents and carers to connect with nature, recharge their energy and improve their own wellbeing in a group setting where they can also connect with others in a safe outdoor space.
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Why
Ciaran is a local resident and Nature therapist with an International Diploma in Forest Therapy from Nature & Therapy UK. Ciaran experienced the transformative effects of nature immersion when caring for a loved one. She would like to support others and is acutely aware of the need for parents to be in a ‘calm’ state in order to best support their children.
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Each walk will last around 1.5 hours. All types of weather will be embraced. Walks will begin with some optional mindful movement (Qigong) to calm our nervous system and focus our minds. Useful and practical mindfulness exercises that engage the senses and promote present moment awareness will be introduced during the walks. By the end of the sessions participants will have a ‘toolbox’ of calming exercises they can practice away from the walks, to help them find peace within. ​
The walks
How to take part
The first mindful walk in Hampstead Heath will be on Wednesday 16th October from 10-11:30am, with weekly walks thereafter. Please contact us by clicking the button below to find out more or sign up.
