Now, a month along, the group facilitators shared positive feedback from the preliminary sessions. The group has been well attended each week and participants have said that they have found it easier to focus on tasks and that their thinking has slowed down as a result of the sessions.
Participants have explained how they have enjoyed being in nature and are trying to be more aware and present in their surroundings whilst also being more adventurous. Some have found the group soothing, stating that they “feel closer to nature”, and have been able to explain their thoughts and feelings with the help of wildlife.
Whilst the group initially followed themes chosen by the facilitators, such as colour and texture, they have now progressed to collaboratively choose themes together for the following week.
Participants have engaged well in the sessions and made great use of the post-group reflection space too. They have discussed what they are leaving behind and who for, with a common theme to leave creations behind for insects to enjoy.
Overall, there has been a strong sense of narrative with attendees explaining how they enjoy revisiting the same green space each week to keep the story going.
Charli Paterson, Art Psychotherapist, who has been closely involved in establishing the project said:
“The team are thrilled with the feedback that the group is both useful and enjoyable to those attending.
There has also been an unexpected additional benefit for one service user who has thanked the facilitators for supporting him to find a new and meaningful way to spend his time in the community that doesn’t involve smoking. He’s found that the group has helped him progress towards his goal of quitting smoking.”
The Occupational Therapy and Psychology departments at Cygnet Churchill look forward to exploring more themes and seeing how new ideas evolve over the summer.