Community Learners

At the end of 2025, we were proud to facilitate a fantastic 7-week journey alongside Bristol City Council and Community Learning West. Working together, we delivered a course designed to support personal development, wellbeing and practical skill-building in our welcoming, supportive environment. And what a journey it's been!

From the very beginning, each participant identified personal goals to work towards. These goals were meaningful, individual and achievable, helping everyone to experience success in their own way. There were five key areas we focused on:

1. Showcasing Achievement Using Digital Technology Participants explored creative ways to document and celebrate their progress. From taking photographs of their work to creating short digital presentations, everyone had the opportunity to use technology as a tool to reflect on and share their achievements.
   

2. Practising Self-Care Strategies

   Wellbeing was at the heart of the course. Together, we learnt and applied practical self-care strategies, including: - Dressing appropriately for the weather during outdoor sessions - Taking mindful breaks away from screens - Building positive new connections within the group These small but powerful habits helped support participants with both their physical and emotional wellbeing.

3. Building Positive Group Connections

   Starting something new can feel daunting, but every participant successfully engaged in positive and supportive interactions within the group. Confidence grew week-by-week as trust developed and friendships began to form. It was so wonderful to witness!
   

4. Trying a New Outdoor Activity Nature played a key role in our learning. Many participants stepped outside their comfort zones by trying a new outdoor activity, discovering not only new skills but also the calming, grounding benefits of spending time outdoors.
   

5. Achieving a Personal Goal Each participant worked towards a personal goal agreed at the start of the course. These included: - Improving timekeeping - Developing a specific gardening skill - Learning to use public transport independently By the final week, it was inspiring to reflect on how far everyone had come. Participants not only built their soft skills but their confidence too! Thank you to everyone who came along - we are so proud of everything you've achieved and we were so happy to see your smiley faces when you received your certificates! What’s Next? Thanks to the success of this programme, we’re excited to launch a refreshed and continued version of the group in 2026! We’re inviting new participants to take part in a free 7-week course designed to help you: - Develop essential life and practical skills - Build confidence at your own pace - Connect with nature - Form positive connections with others Starting 21st April 2026, Every Tuesday, 10am-1pm (for 7 weeks) This course offers a supportive space to grow, learn and try something new, all whilst enjoying the benefits of time outdoors! Develop essential skills, build confidence and connect with nature and others. To find out more and sign up, please email Katy at katy.spiers@recatchcg.com today. We can’t wait to welcome the next group and continue building a strong, supportive learning community together! 💚