Based in Redcar and Cleveland, Woods & Waves Forest and Beach School CIC is run by a small, passionate team dedicated to helping children, young people, and families connect with the natural world.
They offer a variety of sessions for children and young people of all ages, including tailored sessions for those with additional needs.
Becky Lamb, Founding Director and Manager of Woods & Waves, explains: “Before starting Woods & Waves, I worked in early years with children with SEND so it was important to me that we catered specifically for SEND families. We offer SEND specific family sessions because we find that sometimes families prefer their own space - where their children won’t be judged. It creates a safe, understanding environment where parents can talk, support each other, and relax.”
These engaging, educational, nature-based sessions are led by qualified Forest School Leaders who provide a range of activities such as campfire lighting and cooking, nature crafts, tool use, and scavenger hunts.
Parent /Unpaid Carer-Only Sessions
Thanks to funding from the Tees Foundation, Woods & Waves has recently introduced Woodland Wellbeing Sessions for unpaid carers. These sessions are open to anyone who provides unpaid care whether you’re a parent carer of a child or adult with additional needs or caring for a friend or relative with a health condition or disability.
Designed to offer people time away from their caring responsibilities, these sessions allow carers to unwind and enjoy all the benefits that being outside and surrounded by nature has to offer.
Becky adds: “It’s all about the carer. Whether they want to simply sit in nature and relax, chat with others, or take part in the session - it’s completely up to them. It’s an opportunity to slow down and reconnect with yourself in a peaceful outdoor setting. Nature supports self-care by reducing stress and boosting your mood, helping you feel refreshed and grounded.”
A carer who recently attended one of the sessions had this to say: “Thank you for a gorgeous setting for a relaxing session yesterday. It's not easy to break away and make time for yourself so it felt like a real treat! I'm keen to try the apps you recommended for future walks too. It was a very well thought out session suitable for beginners but also those who practice relaxation techniques could get something out of it too. I'd recommend this to anyone even if you haven't tried anything like this before. I like that you have different things planned and look forward to coming to other sessions you have”
Next Session: Thursday 3 July | 10am–12.30pm
MEDITATION & MASSAGE - Flatts Lane Country Park, Flatts Lane, Middlesbrough, TS6 0NN
Cost: £4
To book go to https://bookwhen.com/woodswaves
Or for more information about Woods & Waves email Becky Lamb at woodswaves2022@gmail.com
