Back2Nature programme from Soul Trail & Newport YJS
Summary:
Newport Youth Justice Service has commissioned the charity Soul Trail Wellbeing to run its Back2Nature programme, designed to support children’s mental health and emotional wellbeing. The practice aims to provide children with a relaxed space in nature to walk, process their feelings and feel a sense of calm while having fun, learning new things and meeting others.
Description:
The programme was initially developed for children from diverse ethnic backgrounds to experience local countryside and woodlands, an environment which is often new for children living in town and city communities, to give them a different space to converse and engage in. Now, the Back2Nature programme has expanded to include all children working with the service.
YJS and Soul Trail staff have worked collaboratively to identify themes and sessions for the programme. Themes include aspirations, motivations and confidence-building, as well as nature-based activities such as foraging, plant identification, navigation skills and forest bathing. This has resulted in a bespoke package for children.
Newport YJS recognises that diverse communities do not access natural outdoor spaces as adults. So, one of the key considerations when developing the programme was to introduce and promote wellbeing, mindfulness and connecting with nature at a much younger age in the hope that children from diverse communities continue this into adulthood.
The cohort’s demographic can fluctuate, so sessions can change as needed. Sessions involve conversations around racism and how to deal with it, children’s own experiences of racism, stereotypes, and how staff can empower and educate. Children are referred to the programme by case managers and the project officer.
How is the practice implemented?
The Soul Trail programme leader, an ex-marine, is an expert in the outdoors and nature and delivers the sessions to children in a group. The programme operates in a countryside setting close to Newport Gwent.
The programme is successful through empowerment. Empowering whilst walking and talking is key! Children’s confidence grows and relationships are built through discussing culture, equality and empowering each other’s identity and sense of self. Read the YJB’S Practice Discovery Visit Report.
Contact:
| Newport Youth Justice Service | Partner organisation – Soul Trail Wellbeing | |
| Name | Kim Herniman | Leanne Anyinsah |
| Theo.Wharton@newport.gov.uk | info@soultrailwellbeing.com |