About our sessions
Enjoy new sessions every week, lead by one of our trained members of staff. These sessions can help you to take steps to improve your health and wellbeing, meet new people, learn more about nature and the outdoors and enhance your CV.Â
Face-to-face sessions
A great way to enjoy getting back outside in a safe and relaxed environment. Meet in small groups once a week at one of our COVID-secure locations to enjoy a range of activities aimed at supporting wildlife and helping you to feel happier and healthier.
Online sessions
These sessions are perfect for anyone who is currently unable to get outside with us, but is still interested in making a positive impact for nature. Meet regularly with a small group of like-minded people via a safe online meeting platform, learn new skills, support local wildlife and enjoy the benefits of getting outside from your own home.
Myplace for gamers (Online sessions using Minecraft)
Do you enjoy nature? Have you wanted to learn a little bit more? Are you a gamer? Our Myplace for gamers sessions use the video game, Minecraft, to enjoy many of the activities you might expect from any other Myplace session. Exploring the virtual world of Minecraft we will collaborate on projects, create new green spaces, go for walks and learn about nature.Â
These sessions are for people aged 16-25.
Dirtworks (Practical conservation)
These practical conservation sessions are ideal for young people aged 11+ looking to get some volunteering experience.
Sessions run from 10am - 12pm every Saturday at Brockholes Nature Reserve.
Wildworks (6-week training course)
During these sessions participants will be working towards achieving a variety of AQAs including risk assessment, team working, woodland management, horticulture and wildlife surveying.
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Although the sessions have changed to fit the lockdown, it has kept everyone going and doing something. The sessions, and connecting with nature, have helped my confidence.Myplace participant
How Myplace works
Weekly sessions or phone calls, led by a fully trained member of staff will take place each week.
The activities and themes will vary session to session dependent on the season and group, but will all relate back to at least one of the five ways to wellbeing - Connect, Be Active, Take Notice, Learn and Give.
In 2017 The Wildlife Trusts published a report with the University of Essex which examined the effects of volunteering in nature on people's mental health and the results were incredible.
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Activities relate to five key themes
Click through the different sections below for examples of some of the activities you might expect to do at a Myplace session.
Wildlife walks
Spending time in nature can be very relaxing, providing time to reflect, unwind or kindle new friendships. Walking is also an excellent way to keep fit and active which has also been shown to improve a person's wellbeing. Whilst our walks might be more of a mindful activity we also include activities like foraging and looking for wildlife.
Bushcraft
Learning new skills, trying new things and sharing knowledge and experiences can be a fantastic way to improve your wellbeing. Activities might include fire lighting, wood working and making homes for nature.
Gardening projects
Not only benefiting wildlife and communities, gardening projects can also offer the opportunity to make new discoveries, learn new skills and relax. Activities also include cooking freshly picked fruit and vegetables over an open fire.Â
Practical conservation
Encouraging people to keep active, learn new skills and make positive changes for wildlife and wild spaces. Practical conservation work can also benefit the wider community and help people to feel like more valued members of society. Activities might include balsam bashing, dead hedging and tree planting.Â
Mindful environments
Taking time to step away from technology and be in the moment can do wonders for mental wellbeing. It can be as simple as taking a few deep breaths. We might do some mindful drawing or stop for a while and take notice of our surroundings.
NHS staff at a Myplace taster session
Myplace participants planting fresh vegetables
Learning bushcraft is a great way to reconnect with nature and the outdoors
Myplace were delighted to receive the Partnership Working/Co-Production Award at the first national, Children and Young People Mental Health Awards Ceremony in JanuaryÂ
Hubs encourage participants to work in teams and socialise with each other in a relaxed environment
Alice Singleton
Other opportunities with Myplace
Cain Scringemour
Wild Wellbeing Days
A team day with a twist, led by our friendly and experienced Myplace team. Wild Wellbeing Days are designed specifically to improve the mental health and wellbeing of all those involved.
Seeing my team happy and relaxed gave me a great sense of achievement.
Spokesperson, SiemensÂ
Thanks to our Funders
Myplace is funded by The National Lottery Community Fund through 'Our Bright Future' and 'Reaching Communities England', the European Social Fund through the More Positive Together programme and The Green Recovery Challenge Fund.
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