Author: Lisa Murphy
Being in nature is one of the most accessible activities we can participate in. It holds a powerful space for people who might otherwise struggle to connect with others or find it difficult in mainstream therapies to be comfortable with talking eye to eye with a therapist. A group event allows people to bond, share stories and discover the wonders of being in nature as a shared experience.
Some people find it difficult to join a group because they may identify with one or more of the following statements:
– I am not fit enough I need lots of rest breaks
– I am not confident reading a map and worry I will get lost
– I can’t keep up with other groups
– I don’t have the right gear or equipment
– I don’t have access to private or public transport to get to the trails
– I have a mobility restriction that prevents me from joining a group or accessing trails
– I am recovering from an accident, injury or illness
– I have additional needs and don’t know who to speak to in order to ask questions
– I’d only be able to join a group if I had someone there to support me
What if there was an accessible pathway you could try to see if joining a group was something you would enjoy and feel comfortable with?
If you answered yes to any of these – read on.
As part of joining our events, we offer a free 15 min phone consult to discuss individual needs and if required, we offer the opportunity to meet a Leader for a 1:1 preparation session to get ready to head outdoors – this includes organising gear checklists, transport and more. If you are on an NDIS plan or hold a Companion Card you can bring your own support worker to our events for free.
If ready to book onto a group event, this can be done by heading to our event calendar and choosing the event for you. You can also call us to talk through the dates and decide which event right for you.
There are two different categories you might like to try.
Nature Therapy in the Forest or By the Ocean – this is a 2 hour experience and includes bus transport from our office in Port Adelaide and a pick up in the Adelaide CBD. There is space for 2 manual wheelchairs and up to 12 seats. Held monthly across different locations from August 2023 led by certified Nature Therapy Guide and Support Worker. Dedicated to positive mental health outcomes in nature. 1:1 sessions are also available. All are welcome!
Mini Adventures – this is a 2 hour experience on Grade 1 wheelchair accessible trails in National Parks, Parklands and Gardens across Adelaide and the Adelaide Hills held monthly from August 2023. This can include bus transport from our office in Port Adelaide and a pick up in the Adelaide CBD. There is space for 2 manual wheelchairs and up to 12 seats. Actual trail time is 60 – 90 mins. Group pace is max 3km per hour and led by Qualified Outdoor Leaders. Perfect for people looking to build confidence and fitness. 1:1 sessions are also available. All are welcome!
Did you know being in nature can positively alter our state of wellbeing?
Are you curious about what this might look like or feel like for you?
Getting our nature fix is often swept aside when we are busy or perhaps have no-one to share it with or we cannot find a group that meets our needs.
Our events are not NDIS exclusive, they are for everyone! We believe in an offering inclusive and accessible events for everyone to enjoy nature with inclusivity part of the experience.
For a summary of all our events, head to our website
Check out our upcoming Mini Adventures and Wellness Walks with Forest Bathing/Nature Therapy.
