FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who are the programmes for?
Our general programmes are designed to help support young people who are experiencing mental ill-health that may be resolvable, such as anxiety or depression.
Our LGBTQ+ programmes specifically support the emotional and mental wellbeing of young people who identify as LGBTQ+.
We run programmes for young people with either a mild to moderate learning disability or mild to moderate autism. However, regrettably, we do not have the resources to support young people with very limited speech, who find it very difficult to learn new skills and who need support with daily activities such as dressing, washing, eating or keeping safe.
Where do you operate?
Our programmes held at a private nature plot at Stanmer Organics in Stanmer Park, Brighton, however we will run bespoke programmes in other locations.
What facilities do you have at the venue ?
Our venue is a private plot of land in Stanmer Organics, packed with nature. We have a large Gazebo for shelter if it rains, a log burner or open fire if cold, and stools or ground sheets to sit on. There is a tap with drinking water. There are compost toilets 200 meters away with lockable doors and a place to wash your hands or there are plumbed toilets at the One Garden, 900 meters away. Some of our programmes operate after the One Garden closes however. There is a bench is a quiet area of the plot where you can go to be on your own if you need some time to yourself. We have tea, herbal tea, coffee or hot chocolate available, however we only offer cows milk.
What age group do you support?
Usually we support young people aged 16 to 25, however we have LGBTQ+ programmes for 11 to 15 year olds.
Who runs the sessions?
We normally have two staff and one or two volunteers at each programme.
What do I wear?
Make sure you wear sturdy shoes or boots; the ground is uneven and can be muddy or wet. You will be outside for 2 hours and so bring more layers than you think you will need, even if the forecast is good. Please wear clothes you are happy to get dirty or smoky. We also strongly recommend that you wear long trousers as there are brambles and nettles around. Please bring a waterproof coat regardless of the forecast.
What safeguarding Processes do you have in Place?
Any staff or volunteers working directly with young people will be enhanced DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) checked. Any staff working directly with young people will have attended safeguarding training. At least one member of staff will be trained as a First Aider and a Mental Health First Aider. We have a safeguarding policy in place and full public liability insurance. See our Safeguarding page for further information.
Confidentiality
We are committed to protecting participants privacy. Any personal data provided to The Wild Mind Project through any means (verbal, written, or in electronic form) will be held and processed in accordance with the data protection principles set out in the General Data Protection Regulation for the purposes for which you have given consent. See our Privacy Policy for further details.
How much does it cost to attend?
Our regular programmes for young people are grant funded and so will be free of charge to participants.
We do charge for bespoke programmes. All profits are used to support our young people programmes.
How do we book onto a programme?
Please complete the Booking Form or contact us by email or telephone (01273 230102) if you have any queries.
Professionals, please complete the Referral Form.
How many young people attend each programme?
We aim to have no more than 10 young people attending our regular programmes. Slightly higher numbers may attend our monthly LGBTQ+ drop in sessions.
How do we get to the venue?
Bus route #78 goes from Brighton to Stanmer village which is a 10 minute walk from our plot at Stanmer Organics.
Bus routes 23, 25, 25X, 28 and 29 run between Brighton and the entrance to Stanmer Park, which is about a 20 min walk to our plot.
The nearest train station is Falmer. It is a 25 min walk (1.2 miles) to our plot from the station.
There is parking at the Patchway Carpark but parking fees are applicable.
What happens at a session?
You are greeted by a member of staff or volunteer. You will be invited to join others at a seating area where there is an evaluation to complete – staff are there to help. We ask the group to give their name & pro-noun if they wish. We do not ask you to talk about yourself, and even a staff member can give your name if you don’t wish to talk. We do ask you to complete a sheet about yourself which will be visible to other members of the group – just what you want to be called, and something you like and something others should know about me – its just to help break the ice but you don’t need to complete it.
Typically we then go for a short nature walk, forage, garden or do some form of conservation work. Please don’t worry about participating in physical activities, there is always something gentle to do. This will be followed by a creative activity such as carving, basket weaving, printing, drawing, badge making, fabric dyeing, clay modelling or cooking on an open fire.
We usually have at least one workshop in each programme, which lasts for the full two hours – that might be foraging for food and cooking or weaving a basket, or a visit from a wildlife specialist.
“Every day begins with an act of courage and hope: getting out of bed” Mason Cooley