As the Winter draws in, the Exploring Anxiety Programmes close for 2024, which provides space to reflect on the Social Impact Project and the ripple effects it is creating for psychosynthesis in action.
It has been a really progressive year for the project, as we now have ten trained facilitators who are able to deliver programmes across a variety of third sector organisations, and we have partnered with The Natural Academy to incorporate Eco-psychology principles in the programme.
We also have a new web page that provides more information for everyone who wants to get involved; future participants, trainee facilitators, partners and funders – https://psychosynthesistrust.org.uk/social-impact.
get involved; future participants, trainee facilitators, partners and funders – https://psychosynthesistrust.org.uk/social-impact.
We have been able to run programmes across London & Wiltshire with funding gratefully receiving from Team London Bridge, Roger Raymond Trust & Jo Li Trust and this year we trialled the programme at a Social Farm (Surrey Docks Farm). The animals added a welcomed dimension to the sessions, as stated by a participant:
“I was surprised about the programme in a good way, for example there were different aspects of self-care techniques that I hadn’t tried before; such as Qi Gong, tea making with fresh herbs, seasonal living and box breathing. The staff members were really supportive and the farm activities we tried were an awesome experience, I loved the apple picking and being with the animals, it was very calming.”
It has been encouraging to report that the participants GAD-7 & PHQ-9 anxiety and depression scores have reduced on average by 11% from attending a 10-week programme and the group members continue to stay connected through volunteering at the community gardens / social farm, or attending social and educational events together.
Consistent feedback across the group members has been on how doing creative activities like decorating plant pots, creating worry pebbles, drawing future selves etc. help them express their emotions, along with quietening down their internal chatter. As a result, we have also been astonished by their creative talents and would like to share this poem written by Melanie Sherringham, who attended the Surrey Docks Farm Exploring Anxiety Programme:
At Surrey Docks, beneath the sky so wide, We came to explore what anxiety hides inside.
With racing hearts and minds that won’t be still, We learned to scan our bodies, noticing each chill.
The weather mirrored what we felt each day – Storm clouds of worry, skies heavy and grey.
Rain fell like tears, our hearts full of weight, But nature whispered, “It’s never too late.”
With mindful steps, we walked the green and ground, In the earth’s embrace, our peace was found.
We breathed in deep, slow and full of care, Aromas of lavender floating through the air.
Compassion grew with each image we’d see, A tree of life, roots strong and free.
We shared our stories, each one unique, Finding strength in every word we speak.
Saying “no” with grace, learning to protect, Building resilience, gaining self-respect.
The weather shifted, the winds began to change, And we noticed our fears weren’t so strange.
We mucked the goats and painted pots, Pressed apple juice, and stirred the compost.
Piglets played, their joy so sweet, And every day felt more complete.
Between the laughter and all we learned, We shared treats for which we yearned –
My baked goodies, warm and true, Carol’s jam and chutney, too.
Sasha’s lavender lemonade, cool and light, Turned every sip into pure delight.
Together we feasted, together we grew, In friendship formed, so strong and new.
And though clouds gathered, dark and cold, We found within courage bold.
With every breath, with every step, We conquered the storm, with no regret.
The rainbow appeared, a promise of light, After the struggle, came colours so bright.
In the animal’s small, and the moment’s big, Each day like a dance, a joyful jig.
A special thanks to Kelly and all who care, For the warmth and guidance, always there.
You’ve given us tools, taught us to see, That anxiety doesn’t own us, we are free.
The bond we’ve formed, together so strong, In this journey, we all belong.
From treats we shared to grounding our feet, This time at the farm has been truly sweet.
And though the storm still comes and goes, We’ve found the rainbow, and it forever glows!
You can read more about the results of the programmes this year, see images and testimonials in our 2024 Social Impact Report.