Out In Nature
A new therapeutic group for LGBTQ+ folk to connect with themselves, each other and nature, held by Rose Hall and Alice Human - both are queer creative therapists.
You can book your place here. www.tickettailor.com/events/rosehalltherapy/960936
Aims
to develop an experience of holding by queer community and by the land
to connect with yourself in a supportive space
to connect with community
to develop awareness of nature’s yearly cycle and how it can help inform and process our life experiences
to build a relationship with nature which extends beyond the group
to build connection with the roots of this land through hearing Celtic/Nordic or other mythologies
to connect with existing rituals or create new ones that support transformation
to experience an enlivened connection with nature and community
Overview
Each day will loosely follow the same rhythm of coming together as a group of 10-12 people; an introduction to the themes of the month as guided by where we are in the season and what nature and traditional mythology has to offer; a shared lunch by the fire; individual time exploring, reflecting, playing, making and processing; followed by group witnessing.
Environmental Arts Therapy practice informs the sessions. There is an invitation to engage with ourselves in relation to the rhythm of the seasons and turning year. Noticing the land and how it changes can bring us into connection with our feeling experience and allows opportunity to process and heal through making art and ritual. www.environmentalartstherapyuk.co.uk/
The days are like mini retreats in themselves and can be stand alone experiences. By attending more than one, a connection with the turning year starts to emerge more fully as the seasons change and a greater sense of being part of the yearly cycle develops.
Who is this group for?
This group is suitable for anyone who identifies under the LGBTQIA+ umbrella. We do not gate keep on this and if you are wondering if you are queer enough then we want to let you know that yes you are!
It is a therapeutic group so there will be an invitation to look at your self and your own process at your own pace.
This won't be a suitable group if you are at crisis point without any other means of support. The group could form a part of your support if at crisis point. If this feels like where you are at but you would like to join then feel free to get in touch and we can arrange a chat to see if it's the right group for you.
Please get in touch if you need a conversation before joining this group to figure out if its the right fit for you.
Dates and Times
The initial sessions in September and October will be building up to the launch of a year-long monthly cycle through the seasons starting in November, when the Celtic calendar begins and will be held on the second Saturday of each month.
Each day runs 10am-4pm
Saturday 30th September
Saturday 14th October
Second Saturday of each month from November
Location
We’ve got a beautiful space at The Haven, Royate Hill, which has a round house and access to over an acre of land. The land there has a deep history of community healing. www.havenlandcommunity.org.uk
Food
There will be a shared soup brought by the facilitators and you will be invited to bring extra things to share. All food will be vegan and gluten free. Please specify your dietary needs when booking.
Access information
There is space for parking right next to the entrance. Buses are 48 and 49 to Eastville Park on Fishponds Road. Here you can find more information from the Haven about where they are: www.havenlandcommunity.org.uk/news-updates
I have taken photos of the route into the site and access to the toilet and can send these to anyone who would like to have a look before coming.
The ground is uneven with grass and dirt paths which are sometimes narrow, with overgrown plants.
There is a compost toilet up four steps and it is a small space. There are plenty of things to sit on as you walk around the site.
The Haven has a thorough health and safety risk assessment you can find here: www.havenlandcommunity.org.uk/health-and-safety-risk-assessment.
If there is anything in particular you would like to let us know so that we can best support you then please do so on the form at booking or when you come to the group.
Payment
Standard Rate - £100 per session
Pay what you feel - suggestion £50-£100
If £100 is a barrier, please select the "pay what you feel" option when buying tickets and add any money into the donations section. We'd love to have you in the group.
Bursary Place
We also aim to have one bursary place or much reduced place for each session that will be prioritised for people who are Black or people of the global majority, disabled people or trans people with low or no income. Please email us if you would like to use this place.
Donations
You are welcome to donate any amount to support offering the lower cost places. Any money we have above paying for our time and resources will be offered back to the community in bursary places.
