(the new name for our Wellbeing Walks!)
Upcoming sessions (booking through eventbrite required)
Please note there will be no walk in June, July and August
Saturday 19th September at Bestwood Country Park 10 am to 12 midday (location details below)
How does it work and who is it for?
This slow-paced two hour walk offers chance to
Connect with nature, and notice what surrounds us.
Connect with each other, and to meet others who understand.
Connect gently, with your grief (if you wish to) in a safe and supportive space.
With warm tea, opportunity for mindful moments and techniques; Zephyr’s outside sessions are led by therapists, and walked together with peers – other grieving parents, grandparents and adults, who are also walking on their own journeys of loss. Led by Alison Broughton (Green Space Counselling) or Richard Arkwright (Environmental Arts Therapist) these 2 hour walks are set at a gentle pace, providing the opportunity for quiet reflection and sharing.
The walks are a series of invitations, that you are welcome to join in with or not, as you feel comfortable :
Grief circles and mandalas. Towards the end of our walk, there may be a gentle invitation to find objects and items that feel representative of how you feel – this is optional to join in with, and can feel a powerful opportunity to honour and remember those we walk together because of.
Mindful techniques – drawing on our senses and what we notice in the natural space around us. These simple techniques may be ones you want to draw on at home, and beyond the walk.
Walking slowly – these strolls are not ones to tally up your ‘steps’! We really slow down, and this can feel a supporting reminder of taking time for our selves
Meeting others. There is never an obligation to talk about your loss or your experiences. Simply by being on the path together, we each know why we are there. However, sometimes on these walks moments arise in which people share how they are feeling or coping, and this is welcomed if this feels right for you.
Meet our Green Space Practitioners
Alison is a qualified therapeutic counsellor, with a specialism and focus on grief and bereavement, loss and anxiety. On her website, you can find our more about her, and what you might expect if you join our walk.
Alison says “I will guide you through the walk, helping you to connect to nature by offering prompts and focused nature moments such as bird watching, the changing colour of leaves or gazing at wildflowers. Using natural mindfulness techniques you will learn how to slow down, focus positive attention on yourself to aid relaxation, utilise your senses to nourish your wellbeing and reflect on your feelings of grief as we gently wander with nature and each other.”
Richard is a HCPC registered dramatherapist & environmental arts therapist, working mainly with looked-after children & their families. For the last 25 years, he has managed an inner-city Community Orchard, supporting people of all ages & backgrounds to relax, play, learn & find their place there.
In walking together, there will be gently led mindfulness activities, time to breathe and take everything in, and the opportunity to give space to whatever feelings or grief or may arise. Absorbing the green surroundings of these outdoor environments, we hold awareness for the emotions we are carrying. We always make time to pause, sit a while and drink tea too.
When and where?
The walks happen on a monthly basis, with a break over winter and during the summer holidays. They are on a Saturdays from 10am – 12midday.
The address for Colwick Park, is Racecourse Rd, (NG2 4BH). If you’re driving, exit the A612 at the roundabout (with the horse statues) – following signs for Colwick Hall. Drive down Racecourse Road right to the very end past Colwick Hall, where you will find a car park. We will meet you here at the yellow gate, which is situated at the far end of the car park. If you’re coming by public transport, please be aware that the nearest bus stop is about 15 minute walk to the carpark/gate entrance to the park where we will meet.
The address for parking at Bestwood Country Park is Winding Engine House car park (NG6 8UE). Entering Bestwood Village from Moor Lane, follow Park Road all the way through the village. (Please note this is NOT the Bestwood Lodge Drive car park accessed through Bestwood estate.) Leaving the car park, walk towards the Winding Engine House. We will be either on the second bench (see photo) or under the pine tree in front of the Winding Engine House.
What is helpful to know before attending?
Please click here to read for directions, and some helpful information to know before joining us.
Please note these sessions are for bereaved adults only, and are on offer for those who are bereaved through pregnancy loss or the death of a baby or child. If you are looking for support on a 1-2-1 basis, please make an enquiry about our counselling service here.
If you would like to receive updates on our support sessions you can sign up to Carly’s update emails, sent out monthly. Express your interest at [email protected] and we’ll add you to the mailing list. Alternatively, you can keep up to date with our activity by following any of our social media accounts, by signing up to our general newsletter here or by simply checking in here on our website.
If you have taken part in our sessions and would like to give us feedback or a testimonial, please feel free to send an email to [email protected] to share your experience.