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A prescription
for some time outdoors
This page is for social prescribers, GPs, mental health professionals, mental health charities and local community organisations
Do you refer individuals or groups into mental wellness support programmes or events?
Our charity is an established provider of mental wellness events outdoors in nature, delivered by professionally recognised teams.
Mind Over Mountains provides the following options:
- mental health walks & retreats for individuals led by professionally qualified counsellors, coaches & outdoor guides. Including pre- & post-event zoom support sessions, and follow up resources.
- commissioned group mental wellness events outdoors themed to suit specific needs e.g. trauma, bereavement.
- outdoor mental wellness events for specific groups e.g. asylum seekers, victims of abuse.
- bespoke events to meet your needs.
If you are a social prescriber or GP; if you work in a local mental health charity or community organisation, please sign up using the form below to stay in touch with our work and receive information about our walks & retreats for your clients.
Mind Over Mountains is an Active Member of the Social Prescribing Innovation Network run by the National Academy for Social Prescribing.
We are a founding partner of the annual NatureMind Conference, along with the University of Central Lancashire.
NatureMind is a conference which aims to share latest research & best practice for community-based approaches for physically active lifestyles, mental health & green social prescribing. You can find more information about the NatureMind conference here
Assessing Suitability
You may have questions about whether a Mind Over Mountains event is suitable for a particular individual. Here are some guidelines – but if in doubt, please get in touch with us at info@mindovermountains.org.uk. We are always happy to discuss a referral with you to assess suitability.
Mental health: Mind Over Mountains is not a clinical mental health service, rehabilitation programme or crisis intervention service. We do not offer ongoing coaching or counselling support for individuals.
Our walks and retreats are designed for people who feel well enough to participate safely in a group setting and who do not require therapy or clinical support during the event.
Our walks and retreats are designed to help people to navigate life’s challenges through slowing down, reflecting, connecting with others and reconnecting with nature.
Our experienced walk leaders, counsellors and coaches create a safe, welcoming environment where you can take a break from daily pressures and focus on your wellbeing alongside others who understand.
For many people, a Mind Over Mountains experience becomes an important step in maintaining wellbeing, building resilience or moving forwards after a difficult period.
Some people join our events as part of their way forward having received support elsewhere, whilst others find that spending time with us complements the support they are already receiving.
Who our walks are ideal for
Our walks and retreats are often a great fit for people who are:
- feeling stressed, overwhelmed or burnt out
- living with mild to moderate anxiety or low mood
- navigating bereavement or loss
- adjusting to change
- seeking clarity and perspective about ‘what’s next’
- caring for others and needing time to recharge
- recovering from difficult periods and looking to rebuild confidence and resilience
- wanting to improve their wellbeing through nature, movement and connection
Physical fitness: Our walks are not a race or challenge & are designed to be accessible for individuals with a moderate level of physical fitness. A typical wellbeing walk starts at 9am & finishes at 4pm & might cover 8/9 miles at a relatively slow pace. We build in plenty of stops to experience & enjoy nature, & engage in mindfulness sessions, led by our expert wellbeing team. Participants are expected to carry their own waterproofs, food & drink in a small daysack.
Equipment: We provide equipment lists to participants to ensure a safe & comfortable event. Where participants lack specific kit, we can suggest alternatives, signpost to providers of free second hand equipment & lend particular items.
Costs and Funding
Our open wellbeing walks are fully funded & free to participants, thanks to our funding partners. We are committed to continue funding our open walks this way & will expand our walks programmes to new areas gradually.
Our retreats take place across England & Wales & offer generous bursaries, thanks to the support of our partners.
We can also work with you and other local partners, such as local authorities and mental health charities, to devise and deliver bespoke nature-based wellbeing programmes for specific geographies, communities or groups. These programmes would need to be specifically funded – but we can partner with you to identify and apply for local and national funding sources. Contact us and we can start a conversation!
Involved in referrals?
Do you want to hear more about Mind Over Mountains and Social Prescribing?
Please complete the quick form below to join our social prescribing community - for link workers & anyone involved in building the UK's social prescription network & delivery.
A Transformative Event - Beks & her Mind Over Mountains retreat experience
This was a transformative event for my client. She felt accepted, validated and valued. She became able to speak freely about her experiences and her traumas. She made good connections, which has been difficult for her in the past. She loved the setting and the activities; she even grew to value the most difficult part (for her) of speaking in front of the group.
Joe’s story - how Mind Over Mountains came at a vital time
