Health & Wellbeing Workshops
Holistic Support for Mental Health, Confidence & Community Connection
Demand for mental health and well-being support is rising, especially for those who fall between clinical thresholds and everyday functioning. Many people experience anxiety, low confidence, isolation, mobility challenges, or fear traditional mental health services. They may lack supportive networks or daily structure and simply need the right stepping stone to move forward.
We work primarily with adults aged 18+, in collaboration with PCN social prescription teams, NHS Health Visitors, and organisations like Steps to Wellbeing. Participants may be self-referred or supported by their GP, often falling into two key groups:
- Adults under 30 managing an acknowledged mental health condition.
- Adults 50+ who may not identify as having a condition but face compounding mental and physical barriers.
Our workshops offer inclusive, nature-informed, and people-first group programmes to support recovery, resilience, and personal growth, outside of clinical settings.
Why People Choose Us
We combine evidence-based mental health and wellbeing tools with nature connection practices in a warm, informal, and empowering space. Unlike traditional therapy settings, we use small group sizes, accessible environments, and creative learning styles to meet people where they are.
Our model is:
- Non-clinical and non-judgemental – no diagnosis required to benefit
- Rooted in nature and creativity – using outdoors, art, movement, and food
- Tailored for community wellbeing – designed in partnership with local services
- Sustainable and empowering – helping participants build lasting habits and resilience
How It Works: Four Course Types
We typically offer 12-week workshop courses, each blending the Five Ways to Wellbeing and Five Pathways of Nature Connection:
- Roots & Resilience: Self-Care & Confidence
For: Adults needing a gentle introduction to wellbeing practices
Focus: Self-worth, routine, emotional resilience
Includes:
- Mindfulness and breathing techniques
- Positive affirmations and journaling
- Nature-based activities (e.g. leaf mandalas, forest bathing)
- Weekly check-ins and goal setting
- Group coaching to overcome barriers and fears
- Nourish & Grow: Food, Community & Connection
For: Adults exploring healthy habits, eating, and social connection
Focus: Food as therapy, connection through shared meals, growing your own
Includes:
- Gardening and herb-growing for wellbeing
- Cooking workshops and communal meals
- Discussions on emotional eating and food routines
- Nature sketching and food journaling
- Final week celebration meal
- Creative Calm: Art, Nature & Mindfulness
For: Those struggling with anxiety, stress or overwhelm
Focus: Sensory calming, art therapy, and self-expression
Includes:
- Nature photography and sketching
- Seasonal journaling and grounding techniques
- Mindful walks and sit spots
- Aromatherapy and sensory exploration
- Peer sharing and emotional support
- Move & Motivate: Mobility & Mood Boost
For: Adults with low energy, poor mobility, or social anxiety
Focus: Body confidence, rhythm, and joyful movement
Includes:
- Qigong and gentle yoga
- Music, rhythm, and laughter
- Short mindful nature walks
- Group challenges and games
- Rebuilding motivation through play
What’s the Impact?
Each session touches on at least one pathway to wellbeing and one to nature connection. The outcomes speak for themselves:
- Be Active: Improved physical energy, sleep and confidence
- Connect: Stronger friendships, peer support and community belonging
- Take Notice: Heightened awareness and relaxation using meditation and nature
- Keep Learning: Participants gain new skills like cooking, photography, or mindfulness
- Give: A renewed sense of contribution, volunteering and helping others
Over 75% of participants reported a measurable improvement in one or more of these areas. As habits shift, individuals require less ongoing support, easing long-term pressure on social prescribers.
Lasting Tools for Life
Skills taught go beyond the course - People continue using them throughout life
Low-Barrier Access
No referral, diagnosis, or prior experience required. Anyone would would benefit is welcome
Safe, Supported, Empowering
Friendly and familiar spaces to grow at your own pace
No. Anyone 18+ who would benefit from support with confidence, stress, or low mood is welcome.
Not at all. Sessions are designed to meet all levels of mobility and energy.
Our groups are small, informal and led by experienced facilitators. We create a warm, non-pressured environment.
Courses are often funded through NHS or charitable grants. Ask us about current availability.
“I’ve tried therapy and it didn’t help – why would this be different?”
Our approach is hands-on, creative and community-based. Many participants find this more engaging and less intimidating than talking therapy.
“I’m not ‘into’ nature or meditation.”
You don’t need to be! Activities are simple, accessible and often surprise people with how enjoyable they are.
“I might not be able to attend every week.”
We understand life happens. Each session is designed to offer benefit on its own, while building toward longer-term change.
Our partners include:
NHS Steps to Wellbeing
Dorset PCN Social Prescription Teams
The Ferndown Centre
Local Family Hubs
Ready to take the first step?
Get in touch in Lydia today to book your place or find out which course is right for you.
Lydia Harvey, Enterprise Co-ordinator, 
Lydia.harvey@dorsetcommunityaction.org.uk 
07421 994591
Let’s walk this journey together—step by step.
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