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Mar 2022

Last Updated: 18/03/2022

New mental health event for men to launch in woods near Harrogate

by Nina Meads Lifestyle Editor

| 18 Mar, 2022

Men's Woods for Wellbeing is a new a men-only event set in 3.5 acres of woodland near Harrogate. The free initiative encourages men to talk and enjoy being in nature in order to boost their mental health.

It is well-known that men are less likely to open up about their mental health issues, but many struggle to do so.

In an effort to encourage talking, Born of the Forest has launched Men's Woods for Wellbeing, a men-only event, set in 3.5 acres of woodland near Harrogate.

The forest school's free initiative will run on Monday evenings at 7pm until 8.30pm, with the first one taking place on April 25.

The sessions have been developed to improve men's wellbeing and mental health and will focus on talking, being part of a group and enjoying the benefits of nature.

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They are being led by owner Chris Silverwood and his brother-in-law Stevey Gilkes, who say they have been "blown away" by the support received since the initiative was announced on social media on Wednesday night.

Mr Silverwood said:

"The idea came about because we are all aware of the impact the pandemic has had on mental health and that men are less likely to seek help.

"The sessions are our opportunity to use our amazing woodland, to give something back to the community and provide an opportunity for men to get together, talk and listen, whilst learning some skills, chopping wood and sitting around a campfire.

"We thought that this environment and format may be something that guys would be interested in, and we've been blown away by the response on social media.

"The session is free and no need to book, just turn up. Although I'm a bit worried it is going to be so popular that the carpark won't be big enough!"

Born of the Forest is currently expanding its forest school offer, with more holiday and after-school clubs, school visits, pre-school sessions and a new therapeutic forest session for children and young adults with special educational needs or disability.

The private woodland is located next to Follifoot Cricket Club. Directions can be found here.

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New mental health event for men to launch in woods near Harrogate

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