The Wild Mind Project is bringing its mindful and creative nature-based programmes to support the mental and emotional wellbeing of young people in Brighton from October 2021.

The project, which will be based at the Centre for Ecotherapy in Stanmer Park, aims to reach out to young people (13-25) experiencing low self-esteem, stress and anxiety, to engage deeply and creatively with their natural world. 

A 2020 study from the Mental Health Foundation found that young adults were consistently more likely to report stress arising from the pandemic than the population, more likely than any other age group to report hopelessness, loneliness, not coping well and suicidal thoughts and feelings. 

CEO & Founder Berny Simcox said:

Time to talk and share is safe space. The Wild Mind Project can help young people create new supportive friendship groups that last beyond the life of the programme. University College London evaluates our programmes and data shows a consistent, significant improvement in wellbeing for all participants.

The Wild Mind Project is already active in South West London, providing programmes for a wide range of the community. Activities include mindful walks, conservation work and gardening, combined with creative sessions – painting, weaving, woodwork, felting and lino-cutting, plus open-fire cooking.

The organisation also runs programmes specifically for the young LGBT+ community.

The Wild Mind project is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company. Its mission is that, through a collaborative approach to mental health and wellbeing, it supports young people (aged 13-25), parents and carers, professionals and communities to thrive through creative and nature-based activities. It works with a partners to deliver a series of programmes to support young people and their families/carers.

Photo: The Wild Mind Project