The brainchild of qualified counsellor Julie Johnson, Willow Wellbeing Wales is nestled in rural Llanychaer, near Fishguard.
The wellbeing hub and therapy centre makes the most of its idyllic setting on the banks of the River Gwaun and aims to boost its clients’ emotional health by providing community and connection in nature.
(Image: Willow Wellbeing Wales) It offers one-to-one, tailored therapy and workshops with a variety of crafts, activities, and more.
Workshops offered at the setting include an introduction to plant medicine, spoon carving, pottery, painting, and cooking classes.
All activities are aimed to lift the spirits and reconnect through being in nature, whether that’s through sharing stories around a campfire, learning to identify local plants and wildlife, or learning a new handicraft.
Founder Julie says that she has brought together her passion for gardening and connecting people to create a ‘holistic and ecologically minded business for mental health maintenance’.
(Image: Willow Wellbeing Wales) She has recently been awarded a grant from the Open University’s Open Business Creators Fund.
“I’m so excited to be launching the business and to be sharing all of the things I’m passionate about and that have helped me with my own mental health journey over the years,” said Julie.
“At the heart of Willow Wellbeing Wales is connection and creating an environment which nurtures good mental health practices, while meeting lovely people in a beautiful setting and trying new and fun activities together. There’s even tea and biscuits!,” she added.
(Image: Willow Wellbeing Wales)
Julie also aims to support local businesses and artisans in Pembrokeshire, by sharing the wealth of diverse crafts and art through the workshops and aims to create an environmentally sustainable business by taking the Forest School approach of ‘leave no trace’ and through recycling, upcycling and planting.
“The benefits of nature on our sense of well-being are numerous and well-proven in countless scientific studies,” said Julie.
“From plants emitting phytocides which can help to boost the immune system, the calming effect of bird song or a babbling brook on the nervous system, or a simple walk outside boosting physical activity and lowering blood pressure, it seems that nature is hardwired to soothe and heal.”
(Image: Willow Wellbeing Wales)
By carrying out workshops and therapy sessions surrounded by nature Julie hopes that Willow Wellbeing Wales will offer ‘the therapeutic antidote to a modern lifestyle where independence and isolation are growing’.
“The more artificial our lives become through modern technology and time spent indoors, the more our nervous systems start to become dysregulated,” she said.
“Choosing offline, nature-based activities that support our environment is undoubtedly the way to support our daily well-being.”
To find out more about Willow Wellbeing Wales, visit willowwellbeingwales.co.uk, linked above.