Local project organisers are encouraged to take time out of their busy schedules by attending a nature-themed wellbeing event
Volunteers connect at a community event (courtesy of Eden Project Communities)
An event that aims to increase the sense of wellbeing among community project leaders is happening in Swansea this month.
The session takes place on 17 November and is a collaboration between two charities: Eden Project Communities and Grow Wild.
Both charities aim to better connect local communities, Grow Wild does this by encouraging people who might not usually have access to natural spaces to get outside.
The workshop aims to prevent community leaders from burning out when running local projects.
Guests at the event at Swansea’s Environment Centre can expect to learn about the workshop’s five ways of wellbeing: Connect, be active, take notice, give and keep learning.
Lowri Jenkins, the Wales Country Manager for Eden Project Communities said: “Quite often projects are run by a small number of volunteers. This sometimes creates a risk that people can burn out, or a project can fall down if there aren’t enough people involved.”
People who are active in their community are essential, especially in the face of budget cuts to important services like local libraries and community centres, said Lowri.
“It’s true a lot of services that were there a few years ago aren’t now” said Lowri, “which makes community cohesion even more important.”
Guests write positive feedback on stones at a community event (courtesy of Eden Project Communities)
The workshop will also encourage people who aren’t already doing things in their local area to get involved.
“Everyone, we think, should be doing things in their community or doing things outside,” said the Wales Manager of Grow Wild, Maria Golightly.
All the research points to outdoors activities being good for you, said Maria, and the session will showcase the best ways to spend time in nature.
Outdoor pursuits can help to reduce stress by using up excess hormones and relaxing your nervous system, said a report by mental health charity, Mind.
Guests at next week’s event will be inspired to use spending time outdoors to fight against feelings of fatigue that affect many people who give up their time to do unpaid work in the community.