Photo: A mindful moment in a park, Tom Hibbert
WILD NEWS
Creating spaces for reflection in nature for people grieving By Damian Haasjes, Head of Business Development & Community Engagement
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canal path in the valley below, and help to improve biodiversity on the hospice grounds. We will promote the Trust’s many nature reserves as ‘local’ places for people to reflect and engage with nature. We are also sharing free digital resources to support anyone experiencing grief.
As part of this partnership, we will help to connect the grounds at the Dorothy House Hospice in Winsley to the Kennet and Avon
The Trust has a strong history of helping people connect with nature, and we’ve seen the benefits it has for people’s health
and wellbeing. By restoring biodiversity and increasing access to beautiful natural spaces, we can provide vital refuges for reflection and restoration to anyone facing grief and bereavement.
Find out more and view our bereavement resources at: www.wiltshirewildlife.org /healing-nature
Photo: UASC group at the summer BBQ
his September, we were proud to announce a new partnership with Dorothy House to increase nature connectedness and wellbeing for people diagnosed with a life limiting illness or experiencing grief after the death of a loved one.
Completion of the UASC Programme By Ali Nott, Youth, Education and Wellbeing Officer
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fter three successful years, the UASC (Unaccompanied and Asylum Seeking Children) Programme has come to an end, having reached over 70 young people, from 9 nationalities living in 17 different locations.
The programme has had an immensely positive impact, achieving the goals we set to:
The programme, commissioned by Wiltshire Council, delivered 14 conservation, 10 music and 62 football sessions, 27 day trips and 12 education elements between 2020 and 2023.
2. Create a sense of belonging: “The boys related the trip back to their home countries, comparing them to the trees and plants they could see in Stourhead.” Ella Gower, UASC Programme Support Worker - Trip to Stourhead in October 2022
18 Wiltshire Wildlife Autumn/Winter 2023
1. Help overcome trauma: “He had a smile from ear to ear when he walked in the door.” Kathy Tylor, Foster Carer, Salisbury
A legacy of the UASC Programme is the forming of new relationships between Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, The Harbour Project, Swindon Town Football Club and The National Trust. Our wellbeing team now continues to work with asylum seeking and refugee families, whilst The Harbour Project and Swindon Town Football Club fund the football sessions themselves, due to its success and national recognition.
