WildVibes Youth Group

Aim

To fund our WildVibes youth group, giving young people safe access to nature, building wellbeing, resilience & connection to the environment

Who are we, and what is our project about?

Cup-O-T: Wellness and Therapy Services is a Norfolk-based organisation supporting young people and adults with their mental health through therapeutic and community-based approaches.

We specialise in early intervention, lived experience-informed practice, and creating safe, inclusive spaces for those who may not thrive in traditional settings.

Our work combines mental health support with creativity, connection and community - helping people build confidence, resilience and a sense of belonging.

We are custodians of a gorgeous woodland space near Wymondham, South Norfolk, where we run therapy groups and youth sessions.

Our project: WildVibes

WildVibes is our monthly outdoor youth group for young people who have accessed our therapy service, or who would benefit from a smaller, supportive group environment.

Through WildVibes, young people take part in:

• Nature connection activities
• Conservation and environmental projects
• Bushcraft and outdoor skills
• Nature-based art and creativity
• Allotment growing and seasonal activities

These sessions provide a gentle, therapeutic space where young people can reconnect - with themselves, others, and the natural world.

"M has attended many of the WildVibes session and very much enjoys them. As a disabled young man, he faces challenges that impact on his wellbeing and mental health. To have a space where he is welcomed, valued and encouraged to explore new skills has been incredibly beneficial for him. The therapeutic environment created within the session is also being transferred to the home environment through him learning and mastering new skills at WildVibes and then using them at home. " - Parent

WildVibes directly supports climate action by:

• Increasing connection to nature, which is linked to pro-environmental behaviours
• Involving young people in hands-on conservation and growing projects
• Teaching sustainable outdoor skills and environmental awareness
• Encouraging care for local green spaces and ecosystems

This aligns strongly with the fund’s aim to help communities adapt to and protect the natural environment.

At the same time, we address a growing mental health need, particularly for young people who feel overwhelmed, isolated, or disconnected.

"The group has made a genuine difference to E's life at a time that has been challenging for them. E has always enjoyed being in nature, but the group has provided a much needed outlet for them to feel a sense of belonging and relief from the pressures of high school. E has felt a real connection with those who run and attend this group. Thank you for running such a valuable group that makes a genuine difference to peoples wellbeing." - Parent of E

"WildVibes has had such a huge positive impact on my life; it's an amazing place where I have met some people I really get along with and have lots of things in common with... as well as this, I have learned so many useful things that I never would have been taught in school, and so much that I really enjoy doing and have started to pursue outside of WildVibes. It's amazing to suddenly be able to do something you perhaps didn't even know existed! The general vibe is really friendly and chill, and it's just a really safe place for me to go and do something completely unique for a couple of hours. Overall, it would mean the world to me if this were to continue, it has made such a big difference in my life and it is such a special place for me. Thank you!" - Young person "E"

Why are we crowdfunding?

Across the UK, more young people are struggling with their mental health, while access to safe, supportive outdoor spaces and meaningful nature connection continues to decline.

At the same time, there is now strong evidence that time in nature can improve wellbeing, reduce anxiety and build resilience, particularly when combined with supportive relationships and structured activities . Research with young people in nature-based programmes shows they feel calmer, more connected, and better able to understand themselves and others . Importantly, developing a connection to nature is also linked to more environmentally responsible behaviours, helping to build long-term climate awareness .

However, not all young people have equal access to these opportunities. Barriers such as cost, confidence, and the need for smaller, safer group environments mean many miss out, particularly those already experiencing mental health challenges.

This funding will allow us to run WildVibes for a full year, providing regular, supported outdoor sessions where young people can:

• Build confidence and emotional resilience
• Develop a meaningful connection to nature
• Take part in conservation and climate-positive activities
• Feel a sense of belonging in a safe, inclusive group

"I am thoroughly enjoying working with the young people who access the WildVibes programme. It is so satisfying to see these young people gain confidence through these workshops as they find new skills and make new relationships with their peers. I have witnessed this every time I have run a workshop in the woodland space. I have had the privilege to work with some of these young people over several workshops and each time I can see them grow in confidence and self-esteem. I know that most of these young people face challenges at school, but in this setting I have see them make new friendships and watched them help and support each other every time they take on a new creative challenge." Facilitator

By funding WildVibes, you are helping to create lasting change, supporting young people to improve their wellbeing while also developing a deeper connection to, and care for, the natural environment.

How we’ll spend the money raised

Your support will fund:

• Session delivery (facilitators and youth workers)
• Bushcraft and outdoor activity resources
• Allotment and conservation materials
• Nature-based art supplies
• Equipment to safely run outdoor sessions
• Refreshments and wellbeing support for participants

Every donation will directly contribute to creating a safe, enriching and environmentally-focused space for young people.

How you can help

There are two simple ways to get involved and support our project:

1. Make a donation

Every pledge gets us closer to our goal. Early support can help build momentum and inspire others to give too.

2. Spread the word

Share our project with friends, family and your wider network. The more people we reach, the more likely we are to succeed.

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 22nd June 2026 at 3:27pm