Mindful Arts in the woodland: A relaxing creative workshop for carers
Caroline Harris tying ‘clootie’ ribbons (wishing ribbons) to a tree. Photo by Ethan Wilson.
We invite carers – people who look after a family member or friend who needs extra help due to illness, disability, mental health, addiction or age – to join this free nature-focused workshop.
You will first be guided on a mindful walk in the woodland and grounds around the gallery, tuning in to your senses and the nature around us. We will support you to use art and creative writing techniques to reflect your experience and what you find. Afterwards we will encourage you to share your ‘map’ of the gardens. You will leave with a selection of new ways to connect with your local green spaces.
This workshop is led by writer, artist and teacher Caroline Harris, who is a researcher with Royal Holloway, University of London. Images and feedback from this workshop may be used in Caroline’s research, but there is no requirement for you to contribute to this – you are welcome to simply come along and enjoy the workshop!
This workshop is part of the Cultural Reforesting programme run by Richmond Arts Service.
Kindly note that this event is designed for carers aged 18+ only. We regret that we are unable to accommodate those who receive care from you during this workshop. We hope you see it an as opportunity for creative respite. Many people are carers, and being a carer takes many forms. The NHS definition of a carer is ‘anyone who looks after a family member, partner or friend who needs help because of their illness, frailty, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction and cannot cope without their support. The care they give is unpaid.’
About the artist
Caroline Harris is a writer and artist with many years’ experience teaching courses and workshops. She is a published poet and has recently completed a PhD in poetry at Royal Holloway, University of London. Her work focuses on plant and animal life and she is interested in widening access to green spaces. Caroline grew up in Kingston-upon-Thames and developed her love of nature through childhood explorations of the nearby Hogsmill River and watching the deer in Richmond Park.
