Publish date: 24 April 2025
The Wellbeing and Recovery College has completed its spring term programme with great success. The college delivered a number of courses co-produced in partnership with local organisations; Brentford Football Club Community Sports Trust, QPR in the Community Sports Trust, Dance West and more. The term concluded with an innovative ‘nature programme’ delivered in collaboration with Chelsea Physic Gardens and Active Minds at Mindsports.
The four week programme focused on connecting with nature and how to improve wellbeing naturally. The first session was run by instructor Navindh who guided the group to create handmade moss pots, also known as the art of ‘Kokedama,’ or ‘moss ball’. This ancient Japanese practice dates back over 500 years and students were skilfully taught by Navindh to create their own Kokedama to take home.
Week Two
In week two, the college held a sustainable and meditative activity in which the group learned how to make paints using plants and natural ingredients. Students created a selection of basic watercolours using a variety of plant-based materials such as turmeric, chilli, coffee powder, beetroot, blueberry, charcoal and more. With the freshly made natural paints, participants were invited to engage in freestyle painting.
Week Three
Week three focused on exploring the properties of common medicinal plants, for which Chelsea Physic Gardens is renowned. As one of London’s oldest botanic gardens, it is home to over 4,500 medicinal, edible, and useful plants. Participants created tea and infusion mixtures based on different recipes. Service users described it as an ‘explosive day for the senses!’
Feedback was very positive and one service user said:
“Thank you for a wonderful course. This course has helped my mental health so so much and I really have seen a difference in my overall wellbeing. I soaked up so much useful information regarding plants, environments, mini ecosystems and the nutrients required for healthy longevity. See my lovely plant (above).”
The nature and wellbeing programme concluded with a visit to Chelsea Physic Garden (free of charge), where participants enjoyed a guided tour of the garden along with refreshments.
The Wellbeing and Recovery College Summer 2025 prospectus is now available to view.
The college offers a range of free educational courses and workshops that focus on physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. Courses are open to everyone aged eighteen and over, living, working and studying in Ealing, Hounslow and Hammersmith and Fulham.
For more information or to book onto a workshop/course, please contact the Wellbeing and Recovery college team on: 07483 950 910 / or email: wlt.bookings.recoverycollege@nhs.net.