As trainee clinical psychologists at Lancaster University, employed by Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust (LSCFT), we were tasked with choosing an organisation to link in with as a community placement. During this time, we were encouraged to put our job title to one side and instead volunteer with a local organisation to learn from and connect with people in new ways. This was an opportunity to combine my enjoyment of time outdoors and appreciation for community spaces which bring people together who may not have had the chance to meet otherwise. I chose the nature and wellbeing programme, The Bay: A Blueprint for Recovery, because I am interested in ways in which people are being encouraged to forge kinder relationships with themselves and nature. At a time when themes of isolation and division dominate social discourse, being outside while noticing and connecting resonate as important and medicinal antidotes. I hoped that this placement would open my mind to new possibilities of working therapeutically and provide some personally restorative moments along the way.
Growing Together
Over the course of fifteen days, I have had the opportunity to participate in weekly groups at the allotment plot with Alex, The Bay’s volunteers, and attendees of the sessions. At the allotment site, we would gather together in the communal garden for a cup of tea and check in with those joining the group that day. This ritual gently brought us together and allowed us to transition from our lives outside of these groups into the present. Activities varied from foraging sea beet and outdoor cooking, to doing jobs on the allotment plot, planting wildflower plug plants in the grounds of the local hospital, making conker soap, and so much more. During this time, I have learnt ways to sensitively draw from nature’s bounty to craft products we can utilise. I also joined the Fleetwood group led by Rachel where we took part in citizen science counting shark egg cases along the coastline and contributing to a national data set.
Working together to improve the environment for butterflies through the sowing of wildflower seeds anchored us to the present in a physical, sensory-based activity and yet had us contemplating the future benefits for both insects and people. Connection with people through connection with nature eased social anxieties, cultivating smiles and warmth. Without the pressure to engage in small talk or adopt a mask, we were united in working at our own pace and sharing moments of appreciation for fresh air dancing on our skin, and birdsong comforting our ears. Sometimes people attending the groups had not felt like coming along that day, yet afterwards they spoke of feeling glad they had.
What has particularly struck me about the programme is how it beautifully combines taking actions for nature and connecting people at a time when so many of us have felt the fragmentation and disconnect of community. The people facilitating the programme go about this in a gentle way, creating space for people to be themselves and adapting the activities so that a person’s journey can slowly unfurl, like a fern’s fronds in spring. Our physical, psychological and spiritual recovery has to happen in tandem with recovering our natural world. The Bay programme embodies this.
People who attended groups reported that they felt “accepted” and that they felt “safe” to be their authentic selves. There was a growing appreciation for foraging and cooking together as well as feeling inspired to further connect with nature. These two months volunteering while on placement have been nourishing in multiple ways. Going forward, I hope to explore how my own work can draw on the inclusive, nature-based and heartfelt ethos of the project and how I can nurture positive links between the NHS and the voluntary sector.
As well as taking self-referrals don't forget, if you're a professional supporting someone who might benefit from our Nature and Wellbeing sessions, you can make referrals directly to The Bay here: https://www.thebay.org.uk/referral-form-another-person