Hospice Staff Learn Forest School Skills To Bring Mindfulness To Patients And Families

Patients and families at North Devon Hospice can now enjoy a whole host of mindful outdoor activities thanks to staff undertaking an insightful day of Forest School learning.

The hospice’s Supportive Care Team, who offer emotional support to people facing the impacts of a life-limiting illness like cancer, spent a day with Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust learning new skills including mud and clay free play, whittling, and macramé to name just a few. It is hoped that these Forest School activities will encourage mindfulness and help patients and families experiencing their toughest times to engage with the world around them in an explorative and sensory way.

“It was absolutely fabulous to spend the day exploring our hospice gardens and learning how we can make the most of the natural resources we have on offer to us,” said Charlie Bond, Supportive Care Team Lead at North Devon Hospice. “From mud mask sculptures to organic wooden pendants, we made the most beautiful creations. Activity outdoors like this boosts wellbeing, builds resilience, and offers patients a chance to create and achieve.”

North Devon Hospice provides care for local people who are affected by cancer and other life-limiting illnesses. As well as offering support at home, patients can also be admitted to their Bedded Unit when symptoms become more severe, for help with pain management and to make them feel as comfortable as possible when they need it most.

Dawn Preston, Training and Education Officer, for Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust said: “Spending time outdoors is vital for our health and wellbeing; research shows us that general health and wellbeing improves with time spent in nature, particularly when engaging in activities that reconnect us with nature.    

“Providing people with the opportunity to connect with the natural world is at the heart of what Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust does, and I am delighted that North Devon Hospice will now be able to apply the skills and practical knowledge gained from the Trust’s Forest School programme to help enhance the physical, emotional and mental wellbeing of their patients and families”. 

Ian Smith, Head Gardener at North Devon Hospice also took part in the Forest School learning and said it was a great experience. “A huge thank you to Dawn and Dawn from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust for teaching us some truly fantastic skills,” said Ian. “Now, the Gardening Team and I can ensure that the hospice gardens are cared for in a way that means there are plenty of natural resources on offer for groups to enjoy these wonderful outdoor pursuits.”

Over the past year, the Supportive Care Team have supported over 440 people at the hospice, in groups and individually. To make a donation to help more patients and families access this vital care or find out more about the work of the hospice, visit northdevonhospice.org.uk.