Ecotherapy at St Nicks
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak and this period of social distancing we are now offering ‘Ecotherapy Online’, a new way to access Ecotherapy from home. We could all use some nature-based inspiration at this time. To join download a referral form here, indicate on the form which groups you are interested in and return to Ecotherapy Project Manager Kathy Sturgess at ecotherapy@stnicks.org.uk.
Kathy also runs the Mentoring Programme for all existing Ecotherapy participants. If you would like to find out more or arrange an informal chat before enrolling on any of the groups, contact Kathy at ecotherapy@stnicks.org.uk.
Videos from our tutor Phil Taylor inviting us to explore nature and wildlife in our gardens.
Connect to nature through words with our Creative Writing blog by Emma McKenzie, featuring poems and creative exercises to help our mental health. This group is a partnership with Converge.
Mindfulness Techniques and Green Exercise
Tips and guidance each week straight to your inbox from our Nordic Walking tutor Michelle Cairns.
Bearing Fruit and Eco Book Club
Receive a weekly email from each of the group tutors Freya Lovett (BF) and William Davidson (EBC) which include nature-based activities, tips, and the option to share ideas and give feedback to others in the group.
Wellbeing Wednesday
Receive weekly nature-inspired wellbeing tips and other inspiration from Ecotherapy Assistant Hannah Kenter.
Please note all of our face to face Ecotherapy activities are postponed until further notice.
Ecotherapy promotes good mental and physical wellbeing through outdoor activity in the natural environment. At St Nicks Ecotherapy is offered through a wonderful variety of group activities which are underpinned by one-to one mentoring support. Year round groups are Bearing Fruit, Discover Nature, Nordic Walking, Creative Writing/ Nature Drawing, Eco Book Club and Plot to Plate. Over the spring and summer months we also offer Get Gardening and Woodworking, new for July 2020 we are offering Willow Weaving.
Read on to find out about the benefits of Ecotherapy, how it works at St Nicks, and how to get involved.
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Benefits of Ecotherapy
Since 2015, 93% of our Ecotherapy participants experience significant improvements in their overall mental and physical wellbeing. They also report:
- Reduction in stress levels
- Reduction in depression and anxiety
- Improved self-esteem
- Increased levels of physical activity
- Better resilience
- Enhanced social interaction
- Confidence boosted through the learning of new skills
- Feelings of happiness by positively contributing towards the environment
How it works at St Nicks
- Group activities are led by qualified and experienced tutors.
- All participants have access to one-to-one mentor support alongside group activities.
- Nature-centred activities run both on and off site, and are free to attend.
- We offer year-round and season-specific activities.
- Sessions are timetabled around the lunch hour which can be enjoyed with others in a relaxed atmosphere.
- Participants can be part of the project for a few years and afterwards choose to stay involved with St Nicks longer through our volunteer programme.
- To join, find out more or support the project, speak to Ecotherapy staff.
- Please note, there are waiting lists for some of the groups.
Interested? Want to know more?
- Details about all of our Ecotherapy groups can be found here.
- Watch the video below to see us in action.
- Make the first step and download an Enrolment Form , once completed email it to ecotherapy@stnicks.org.uk or post it to us at St Nicks Environment Centre, Rawdon Ave, York, YO10 3FW.
- For further information contact Ecotherapy Project Manager Kathy Sturgess on 01904 411821 or email ecotherapy@stnicks.org.uk.
The project is funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, with additional funding from Purey Cust Trust CIO and Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust in partnership with Your Consortium.
