Parent and carer wellbeing project
Heath Hands and mindfulness practitioner Ciaran Ivanovic from Mindful Kids London are partnering on pilot programme of 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 sessions) will run for a period of 3 months, starting in October 2024.
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.
About Ciaran Ivanovic
Ciaran is a local resident, Nature Therapy Guide with an International Diploma in Forest Therapy from Nature & Therapy UK. Ciaran experienced the transformative effects of nature immersion when she was supporting her own daughter’s recovery from Anorexia. 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.
The walks/sessions
Each walk will last around 1-1.5 hours, and we suggest weekly walks, though this can be amended depending on the needs of the group. All types of weather will be embraced. Walks will begin with some optional mindful movement to calm our nervous system and focus our minds. Useful and practical mindfulness exercises that engage the senses 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.
How to take part
We plan to launch the programme with a walk at 10am on Wednesday 16th October, though there is flexibility in dates and times. Please contact us by clicking the button below to find out more or sign up.