Commission and Fund Us

Better outcomes through green social prescribing and nature-based interventions.

What we do

We help young people, adults and families in Sussex prevent and tackle mental ill-health by co-developing and providing green care services for the people who support them.

Since 2004, Circle of Life Rediscovery CIC has provided innovative continuing professional development for health, wellbeing and teaching professionals, based on the beneficial effects of nature and community work.

How we can help you with green social prescribing and nature-based interventions

Our green social prescribing and nature-based teaching programmes for NHS services, charities and organisations: 

 

  • Draw upon the natural environment to provide personal restoration opportunities, increase social interaction, social recovery, and reduce social isolation and loneliness
  • Create and provide a person-centred nature intervention with a programme that addresses equality for all and facilitates positive risk-taking, compassion and connection
      • Create the opportunity to experience connecting with the outdoors in a structured setting
      • Increase wellbeing, a sense of purpose through achievements and a greater sense of belonging
      • Create the opportunity to learn new skills and participate in meaningful and gratifying activities

      Read our green social prescribing and nature-based intervention case studies

      CAMHS FISS Family Intensive Support Service for Learning Disabilities

      CAMHS Child & Adolescent & Mental Health Service: Teenagers

      Our Dementia Project and other NHS Work

      How we help you with our 3-branch nature therapeutic model

      We target our green care services to individuals with a defined health need. We base contact with nature on our ‘3-branch’ nature therapeutic model informed by current research.

      The model:

      1. Brings people together for social bonding
      2. Takes place in natural environments: often a woodland
      3. Provides meaningful activities

      See how we’ve helped health, wellbeing and teaching professionals 

      We draw on the woodland as a resource for health and wellbeing.

      The Impact of Nature-Based Training

      The Woodland Project

      Green Care in Early Psychosis Report

      Dementia Wellbeing Report

      Our Team

      • Our facilitators have extensive experience delivering group intervention, group facilitation and co-regulation skills. We use a psycho-educational group work approach
      • We apply knowledge of models and the principle aims and objectives of enabling individuals with vulnerable needs to access the natural environment. In addition, we offer resources to support their engagement
      • We have the expertise and ability to appropriately grade activities to maximise group members’ potential and enable them to engage at their optimal level of functioning
      • Our team participates in reflective practice and supervision

      Our partnership with CAMHS

      Since 2009, we’ve delivered funded nature intervention programmes for teenagers and families via our long-term partnership with the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service in East Sussex. 

      About Circle of Life Rediscovery CIC

      We are an award-winning influential social enterprise and our awards include:

      • Innovation and Excellence Awards, ‘Therapeutic Services Provider of the Year 2021’. 
      • ITV Peoples’ Project competition (Family Disability and Mental Health Project) based on public support and a popular vote (2017)
      • SPARK Environmental Achievement Award (2016)
      • Sussex Partnership Positive Practice Award (2015)
      • National Innovation in Child, Adolescent and Young People’s Mental Health Awards: Highly recommended

      Consistent with the Department of Health’s VCSE Health and Wellbeing Fund’s focus, Circle of Life of Rediscovery is committed to improving equality and reducing health inequalities. Evidence shows Socioeconomic disparity in mental wellbeing is 40% narrower among those who report good access to green/recreational areas than those with poorer access (Evidence Statement DEFRA 2017).