Time Well Spent | 2025 Workshops

Feedback from the Friday Support Circle about our 2025 workshops shows the real impact these workshops have had.

People have shared how having choice and flexibility has made a real difference, with each workshop offering its own benefits…
Whether they were looking for connection, practical support, creativity or space to reflect, they were able to find sessions that met them where they were.

This wide range of workshops has helped individuals engage in ways that suit them, gain support that feels relevant, and experience wellbeing in a way that is personal rather than one-size-fits-all.

With heartfelt thanks to all our wonderful facilitators, whose care, time and commitment have made these workshops possible. A special thank you to Angie, who has gone above and beyond in building relationships, networking, and creating new connections that have helped these workshops grow and thrive.

Friday Support Circle is a really lovely way to end the week.
It’s been great to share and talk things through, especially around mental health.
The second part of the sessions has been particularly helpful, and there’s always a sense of encouragement, support and connection. The videos have sparked some really good conversations too.

Culture Club the wide ranging array of subjects from whales, to Shakespeare, to Dolly Parton (& more!) have been really enjoyed with the gentle guidance of Andrzej.
People love how it brings a fresh angle and helps you take the focus off yourself in a really positive way.
It’s been a lovely way to experience culture differently, and there’s lots of excitement for more sessions.

Music and Mood is always good fun and sometimes with themed sessions.
People have really enjoyed listening to music from different genres and time periods, and sharing what it brings up for them.

Forest Bathing sessions have  been a really positive experience and much appreciated, especially at such a s stunning and historic location of Leith Hill Place
Having transport provided made it easier for people to attend and feel able to take part.
People found the sessions calming and enjoyable, and described them as genuinely rewarding, with thanks to Surrey Hills Arts Society for making this possible.

Snap Stories are a lovely space to share photos and stories.
It’s brought a real sense of lightness and encouragement, and people have really enjoyed connecting in this way.

Quiz & Socials always bring a smile.
People really enjoy the connection, the background stories and the shared laughs.

Active Hope Group has been a really helpful and enjoyable course that people got a lot out of, learning how to implement Active Hope into their everyday lives helping to reduce stress and create more positivity.

Saturday Socials and activity and board game groups have been a much-enjoyed group, giving people a relaxed and welcoming way to connect, enjoy time together, meaning they could head into the weekend feeling lighter and more connected.Creative Groups have been a favourite for many, particularly the Zen garden session, which people found calming and enjoyable.
The Christmas Crafting sessions were also a huge hit and brought lots of shared enjoyment and new skills.
With thanks to the Growing Together project adn Surrey Hills Society for enabling these workshops to happen.

Farm Sessions were greatly enjoyed, whether or not they included a craft activity.
Time spent at the farm has been described as enjoyable and rewarding, with time alongside the horses feeling especially healing and restorative.
Many have expressed genuine gratitude for the opportunity and the wheel-chair-friendly transport was also valuable for those with limited capabilities.
With thanks to the Growing Together project and Surrey Hills Society for enabling these workshops to happen.

Denbies Nature Immersion was a  really lovely opportunity to meet, connect and spend time together in nature, supporting wellbeing through gentle connection and shared experience.
Many people have said they’d love to do this again, especially in the warmer months.

Practical Mindfulness group has felt like a real support, especially for those using mindfulness as part of their recovery.
People have spoken about how helpful it’s been and how much they’d like it to continue.

Motivation and Decluttering provides ongoing support and encouragement have made a real difference, helping people feel motivated, supported and able to keep moving forward.
Many have found this group genuinely energising and empowering.
The sessions make a real difference to confidence and momentum.

Snap Stories is a lovely space to share photos and stories.
It’s brought a real sense of lightness and encouragement, and people have really enjoyed connecting in this way.

Stress Matters has been especially valuable, supporting wellbeing by offering a safe space to share difficult experiences, feel heard, and develop practical, realistic ways forward.

Holistic Harmony experience has been deeply valued by those taking part, offering a supportive space for personal development and self-growth.
The experience has been genuinely transformative for some, with a number of people progressing to Reiki qualification.

Safe Haven has provided vital support during difficult moments, offering reassurance and a sense of safety when it was most needed.
Its out-of-hours access, without the need for booking, has helped remove barriers and ensure timely support.

Reporting: Anna Andrew & Chon Donnelly
Artwork: Chon Donnelly