Out In The Field

Out in the Field was set up to support health and care staff to prioritise their wellbeing. To give them time to relax, restore and reconnect and to up-skill them to be active participants in their own health care, providing a tool-kit of strategies to deal with stress when working in high pressure jobs. Each retreat is facilitated by experienced teachers and forest bathing guides and designed around the specific needs of a team or group. The core practices of the programme are Forest Bathing, mind-body practices following the Sophrology method, nutrition and reflection practices. The retreats are an opportunity to- Take time out to rest and experience mind and body relaxation - Develop a deeper understanding of the benefits of nature for wellbeing - Build relationships, understanding and camaraderie - Gain familiarity and confidence with mind-body practices and to explore how to integrate mindfulness in daily life - Learn about vegetarian cooking and nutrition that supports energy levels and immunity In 2023 Out in the Field worked in partnership with Ellana Hall, a Masters student of Creative Health at UCL, to assemble an impact evaluation on behalf of Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust. A survey completed 3-months following the retreat demonstrates that participants utilised techniques learnt to their benefit both at work and at home following the retreat: • 95% felt clearer about how to support their wellbeing • 88% of participants have spent more time in nature. • 78% of participants reported practising mind-body exercises since the retreat. Which has had a positive impact on Work Culture: • 77% of participants felt more positive about their work in general following the retreat. • 87% of participants felt that their relationships with colleagues had been more positive since the retreat.