Woodland Pathways

From bid to delivery

Woodland Pathways began with the Healthy Working Life Community Grants Programme, which funds local organisations to help people who are out of work because of ill health move closer to work, while improving their health and wellbeing. We designed our bid around that aim: a gentle, nature-based programme where people can build confidence at their own pace, with the right support around them.

With funding secured, we’re delivering three cohorts of 15 adults at Hey Wood, our established woodland base, with each cohort running for five weekly sessions.​

Who it’s for

Woodland Pathways is for adults who are out of work at the moment and finding life a bit difficult, whether that’s because of your health, your confidence or your personal circumstances.

You might be a good fit if:

• you’re living with stress, anxiety, low mood, a health condition or a disability

• you’ve lost some confidence, or everyday things feel overwhelming

• you feel isolated, or a bit out of practice with groups and new places

• you’d like to move towards learning, volunteering, community activity or work, but at your own pace

• you’d like something calm, outdoors and informal, with no pressure and no expectations

​Because Woodland Pathways is a funded programme, we do need to check a few things, and we’ll go through them together with you. You’ll need to:

• live in Kirklees

• be aged 18 or over

• have the right to work in the UK

• be out of work at the moment, without any job-search requirements

• have a health condition or disability, anything from stress or anxiety to a physical condition

​You don’t need any experience, qualifications or special skills, and you can join in as much or as little as you like.

Not sure if you qualify? Get in touch and we’ll talk it through. It’s a simple, friendly process, and if this programme isn’t the right fit, we’ll help you find one that is.​

What to expect

• Five weekly four-hour woodland sessions.

• Bushcraft, greenwood work and seasonal crafts, with optional light woodland tasks at your own pace.

• Crafting and conversation around the fire, with a hot drink in your hand.

• A sensory-friendly environment, with Occupational Therapist support.​

Building confidence

• Support with wellbeing and regulation to help with focus, clarity and everyday tasks, so everyday things feel more manageable.

• Gentle pathways into volunteering, learning, community activity or employment.

Practical support

• Free travel support and warm outdoor clothing if needed.

• No experience required. You’re welcome to join us.

Dates

Our first cohort runs on Wednesdays, 11am to 3pm:

• 4th November

• 11th November

• 25th November

• 2nd December

• 9th December

Later cohorts will run on other days and possibly at other times, so get in touch for the latest dates.

Not eligible? There’s still a place for you

If this programme isn’t the right fit, our community woodland sessions are open to a wider range of people, and our Community Nature and Connection Programme launches in February.

How to join

We welcome referrals from health, community and employment support services too. We’ll walk through the programme with you and check eligibility together, and we’ll ask for a few details to confirm it when you register.

Email: info@edensforestcic.org
Tel: 07734 898650

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This activity is part of Healthy Working Life, a joint programme of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board.