“I have thoroughly enjoyed my first session, being welcomed without judgement and accepted into the group.  Being able to engage with others in a social setting and make new connections with people without feeling anxious.  To join in with others in joint tasks. I feel like part of the group after only a few hours and can’t wait until next time.  Thank you.”

“Nature Unlimited is the best part of my week”

“I have never missed a week.  I love this place, it is a home away from home.  The connection with nature and fellow people is magical”

“Lovely day, sun shining, everyone working well like a team of busy ants.  Chitter-chatter, one-to-ones, sharing, trusting and caring”

“Joining this group has been so beneficial to my mental health.  Being able to meet people of varying abilities and skills, socialising in a safe place where everyone not only working as a team but having great emotional support to each other’s wellbeing.  Through the group I have made meaningful connections with others, made friends and been able to partake in social events out-with the group and into the wider community.  As a result my world has opened up into the wider community enabling me to feel more interconnected with the world and society as a whole.  I no longer feel so isolated, gained more confidence in the quest to get myself out there, do things and be less withdrawn.  Thank you so much”

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time out here.  This has made a huge positive impact on my life.  Going forward I would love to come back and hep out as this is what I love to do, help others”.

“Genuinely one of the best projects in the Borders, makes this part of the world feel less barren, and provides connections that are incredibly hard to find otherwise.”

“Honestly, since starting Nature Unlimited it has been a life changing experience.  The community feeling is something special and to be cherished.”

“Thank you for providing a place where I don’t have to mask and don’t have to pretend that everything is good and that I can just sit quietly and be myself.”

“Glad to be back.  Amazing how you realise the difference Nature Unlimited group makes to your week (wellbeing, socializing and mental health).  Left a hole in my world hot being here for the 3 week break (in between blocks 2 and 3). Coming here is the difference from being isolated at home with nowhere to go or do the things that are worthwhile and feeling supported.  Today has kickstarted my reset button once again and I am not looking forward to experiencing the 3rd block here and my first winter with Nature Unlimited.  My safe place.”

“Been to a lot of groups, never felt like I fitted in, I feel like I fit in here.  Made some really special connections, made friends here that’ll be friends for life”

“Good communication, new folk are always made to feel welcome”

“People are very kind here.”

“Its very therapeutic without being labelled.”

“Its very inclusive, I love it.”

“Making friends, making connections.”

“I love watching people coming and noticing people change for the better.”

“Its a fantastic place.”

“Its good to see people work through their difficulties.”

“Brilliant, very social, great fun.”

“Meeting people I would not meet in everyday life”

“A sense of community, of being accepted.”

“Meeting some wonderful people.” 

“Enlightening and calming.”

“Its changed my life I was struggling following a nervous breakdown but the support and compassion has transformed me”

“It got me out of a place of despair. Being in the woods gives you space, helps you spiritually “

“Being outdoors is good for my mental health. It kick starts me. It makes me want to go out, it gets me out of a rut.”

“Makes me more confident and helps my mental health if I do nothing else during the week. Thursday is the day I look forward to.”

“I feel I can speak about whatever is on my mind, whatever s*** I have had in the week. I’ve benefited greatly.” 

“It’s time for me, It makes me feel so much better.”

“It makes me feel connected. I was isolated. Getting out into the woods makes me feel alive, part of something which is meaningful. I feel connected to people, I feel part of a community.”

“Its given me a sense of self, a sense of direction, a feeling of belonging a feeling of fitting in of connection.”

“I felt isolated. I missed having something useful to do, something to get up for. What I do on a Thursday sets me up for the week. It makes me feel useful. I am completely accepted as I am. “

“The physical activity and being in the fresh air helps my mood”

“It help my mental health, I go away feeling better about myself”

“It gives me a sense of belonging.”

“It’s given me a routine that helped me move away from being socially isolated, given me new skills and improved my mood. I feel I’m able to contribute.”

“Its improved my diet and eating habits.” 

“I feel very accepted which helps my mood”

“It doesn’t matter if it’s cold and raining coming here is invaluable.” ”