It was great to get further publicity for the project last week after being asked to feature in the Brecon & Radnor Express. Its been vital for us to raise the profile of the project, being one of only very few community groups still allowed to continue offering services to those isolated or struggling with the effects of the pandemic in recent months. Continued thanks to our group members who have participated so enthusiastically to our 1:1 sessions, helping to regenerate our garden space in the cathedral grounds, and walking and sharing together in neighbouring Priory Groves.

We were recently invited by the Hinterlands Wales project 'Ahoi! What Grows Here?' to run a canal side workshop in conjunction with their new floating resource, Storm Kitchen.

The projects main aim is about exploring food, land, community resources and imagination on the Brecon & Monmouthshire Canal, and forms part of a wider arts and environment programme happening on the canal between 2018-2021, and developed in conjunction with the Canal & River Trust and arts organisation Peak, based in Crickhowell.

We were delighted at Green Minds to be given this opportunity, which included a sensory focused mindful wander exploring autumnal themes, rounded up by a creative session using plant based inks and homemade charcoals to sketch, draw and paint collected items from along the canal. Storm Kitchen provided a great base to work from, and the barges owner Ella Gibbs supplied some beautiful restorative herbals teas and snacks to accompany our creativity.

Going forward Storm Kitchen is inviting local growers, producers and makers to add stock to its floating larder, which it will trade on a sale and return basis as it navigates the canal system. As well as a shared resource and community trading outlet and tea bar, Hinterlands Wales are also running a schedule of online talks that will stream live from Storm Kitchen on a variety of dates across October.

For further details and to find out more please visit: www.ahoiwhatgrows.com

Many thanks again to Ella and the Hinterlands Team!

Nature Therapy Sessions taking place in a beautiful woodland setting developed especially for Key Workers & Carers working in the community.

Spending time in nature has proven to lower blood pressure, reduce stress, improve empathy and creativity, and boost your immune system. The sessions are designed to offer time in nature for gentle walking, reflection and sharing in a beautiful woodland setting on the outskirts of Brecon

Each session will be guided by Green Minds ecotherapists Jess Tanner and Em Charles. 
The sessions have been designed as stand alone experiences. You are very welcome to take part in one, or all of the sessions if you wish, which are running one Saturday a month between October and January for 3 hours each. 

The sessions are suitable for those who may not normally choose to go for a walk in the woods, practice mindfulness or spend time connecting in nature. It’s gentle, inclusive, pleasurable and welcoming – perfect for those wishing to take time out for themselves away from the stresses and worries of day to day life. 

If you have any further questions or would like more information on the sessions, then please feel free to contact us on: 07487 523 991

We have lots of opportunities to get involved this Autumn for our Green Minds members and non-members too who'd like to experience one of our sessions. We currently have capacity for 6 participants on each session, all of which are currently based outdoors so lots of space for distancing. Do have a look at our programme of events and if you'd like to share please do so!. For more info regarding any of what's on offer please get in touch, you can find contact details on the posters attached or through the website.... Best wishes to all  :-) ​

We were delighted to be able to feature the project in the September edition of Focus Magazine this month. If you haven't already seen our article, or you don't receive a copy through your door, then you can find it online at ​www.focusmagazinesltd.co.uk 

With autumn approaching we're excited to announce that we will be resuming our Walk & Talk sessions again, exploring seasonal themes and nature connection in a beautiful woodland setting on the outskirts of Brecon.

The sessions will run one Thursday a month starting with our first walk on the 24th September 11am to 1pm. In line with current government guidelines, we will be keeping to small group numbers, so booking is essential.  As before, the sessions are open to both members and non members of Green Minds, and are a great opportunity to meet the team and explore themes of nature, wellbeing and creativity.

For further information and to book a place, please contact Jess on 07487 523991 or email jess.t@breconmind.org.uk

We look forward to you joining us!

Thanks to Thrive for the invitation to feature our project in Growth Point, the Social & Therapeutic Horticulture magazine. Please find our article in the link box below and find out more about how we have adapted our ecotherapy work during lockdown by creating online resources.