'I first came across the Wilder Wellbeing project and its Wellbeing in Nature course when it was shared on a local Facebook community page. At the time, I had just been to see my GP as I was experiencing another period of depression and poor mental health. My doctor prescribed medication, but I was told that the waiting list for counselling was over six months. I didn’t know who to turn to and I couldn’t find a way out from the mindset that I was trapped in. 

The course appealed to me because I’ve always had a love for nature and being outdoors. I also realised that I’d not really made an awful lot of time for myself to get outside in the previous months and that maybe this could be the key to my recovery from the depression that I was experiencing. Around that time, I’d been barely able to leave the house. Periods of isolation and stress due to Covid-19.

I decided to call to ask about the course - this was a big thing for me because of the frame of mind that I was in. I was very tearful and nervous as I was worried what people would think of me, but I astounded to find a great deal of support and understanding in such an unexpected place! I soon had a wellbeing walk to attend at Brandon Reach and the project’s free Wellbeing in Nature course sessions at Cole End Park in Coleshill.

I wasn’t sure what to expect from the course. The hardest part for me on that first day was getting out of my front door to attend but I’m so glad that I did. The Project Officer, Dan, explained that we’d be using the “Five Ways To Wellbeing” as a guideline to each week’s session. During the process I rediscovered my love for the outdoors with opportunities to be active, creative and mindful. 

Dan patiently answered my many questions that I asked in a flurry, with newfound childlike enthusiasm. One session we litter picked and cleared the brambles around signage as a way of giving back to the community. I finally felt like I had a purpose!

Since the course, I now take my children to the same spots and proudly pass on the knowledge that I picked up from Dan. They know the names of common birds and trees and they’re also developing a fascination for nature. Our walks bring us closer together, which in turn is a huge boost for my wellbeing. The course has given me the confidence to explore my local area and I walk in places that I’ve never been before, despite living here for fifteen years!  

In all, the Wilder Wellbeing course gave me experiences that I simply would not get sitting inside any therapist’s room. Counselling and therapy play a vital role in mental health recovery, but in my opinion getting outside, feeling that connection with your local environment and other people has been really beneficial. Most importantly, the project was able to offer a lifeline when I felt there was nothing else available. I now apply the skills I learnt into my daily life to support my mental health and I’m thankful to everyone at Warwickshire Wildlife Trust for being there for me when I really needed it.'

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