The Wild Mind Project is a not-for-profit community interest company based in Brighton that supports the wellbeing of young people aged 11 to 25 through experiences connecting them to nature.

Getting out in nature with others helps young people to build a toolbox of wellbeing strategies and a supportive peer network that lasts beyond the programmes.

The programmes’ activities include:

• learning about and caring for nature, including species identification walks, measuring biodiversity, and creating habitat such as hedgerows, ponds, insect houses and nesting boxes
• gardening activities such as growing edible plants, planting meadow flowers and creating compost
• mindfulness activities to relax and connect to nature
• traditional creative activities such as foraging for plant dyes or cooking ingredients, whittling wood or weaving yarn

Once the young people have finished a programme, The Wild Mind Project helps them stay in contact with their new friends and get involved with local volunteering opportunities to maintain their wellbeing and connection to nature in the longer term.

Berny Simcox, CEO of The Wild Mind Project, said: “The young LGBTQ+ community are particularly vulnerable to mental ill-health and isolation. We build their connection with nature, and I see the difference that being in nature makes to young people’s confidence, self-esteem and happiness. Our programmes provide support for their mental health, help build their resilience and nurture a life-long interest in caring for natural heritage.”