Nature-based wellbeing programme

We believe in the healing power of nature. If you're aged 12-17 and feeling stressed, anxious or down, you'll find a friendly welcome at Milton Country Park. Our 8-week programmes are designed with a particular focus on nature, wellbeing, bushcraft and mindfulness. From campfire cooking and survival skills to natural craft and canoeing, we want to share our passion for the outdoors and help you slow down, tune in, build confidence and discover your wild side. Please read our report [PDF, 6MB] for a full evaluation from our pilot programmes.

Come outside! Make friends, make fires and cook, have a go at arts and crafts, do bushcraft, build shelters! Find Your Wild’s…Nature in Mind aims to support young people who are seeking help for mild to moderate mental health difficulties. By being in nature and the sessions being hosted by qualified leaders, it creates a relaxed, safe and friendly environment to enjoy the outside. 

We aim to support young people who are seeking help for mild to moderate mental health difficulties. For instance, young people who are currently experiencing anxiety, low mood, problems with confidence or self-esteem. Young people will need to be able to manage being in a group and taking part in outdoor activities, although the sessions are supported by youth workers. 

The programme is for young people living in South Cambridgeshire.

• Young people who are already receiving a specialist mental health service, for example, from CAMHS
• Young people who have high risk behaviours or active suicidal thinking or behaviour
• Young people with a complex mix of different problems which may need prioritising first, for example: eating disorder, substance abuse difficulties
• Young people where there are current safeguarding concerns that first need to be prioritised to support stability and safety

The course is free to attend, and any equipment you will need for the activities will be provided for free. You should make sure to dress appropriately for spending time outdoors (or on the water where relevant).

You should make sure to dress appropriately for spending time outdoors – whether in cold or wet weather, or in really warm temperatures. If the session includes water sports (paddle boarding, canoeing, kayaking or similar) it is advisable to wear the kind of clothing that dries quickly (gym wear or shorts and a t-shirt). Please also bring a towel and a change of clothing just in case.

The Parks have cosy shelters and fire pits, which means that the course can take place even in bad weather. There will be a programme of activities available for people who have registered. Activities can be varied and led by the weather, as well as the mood of the group and the time of year.

Referrals can be made via YOUnited by a GP or any professional working with children or young people.  Alternatively, young people can self-refer for this free course. The easiest way to do this is to fill in our online form.

If you are a guardian, teacher, youth worker or health professional who would like to refer a young person (aged 12-17) for the course, please fill in our online form.

We want to support parents, pastoral teams, teachers, youth workers, link workers and other professionals to find out more about referring young people to one of our nature-based wellbeing programmes.