Deni writes:
Well. Yesterday was the last session on the School for Social Entrepreneurs course that has been running for the past year. I have been so lucky to have found a wonderful tribe of people who share the same values and ambition that I have. This course has given me the confidence to go for a new start with Nature’s Living Room CIC at 60 years old..in a pandemic…while skint and stuck at home.
I have run sessions in the woods, woodcraft and other groupwork since 2010…this was a huge move to consolidate all of that and try to make it sustainable as well as opening new doors. Luckily I had the support of a lot of people… Katie, Yvonne and Heather as co-directors to name 3.. but countless others who have backed and supported me. You all know who you are and I value and appreciate you more than you know. We have made strides towards our vision. I am proud of all of us. Sometimes we don’t say it enough, specially when times are tough or we are tired.
This summer has been an amazing explosion of joy with different groups coming to the woods to experience its healing and calming effect. And those who run around doing zoomies, laughing, climbing, eating, making fires, whittling etc. It’s been fantastic seeing the young people getting the freedom to roam, explore and experience the fun of playing in the woods.
We have been fully booked with groups and organisations all summer which has been incredible. Thank you Hexham Youthy, Corbridge Youth-Initiative, Allendale Youthy, Tanga Hexham, Wecan, Ferndene Hospital, Full Circle Food, Prudhoe Youthy and the Woodpeckers. We hope that Sacriston Youthy can come soon.We welcomed a very diverse community of families and young people and intend to build on these connections with a lot of future sessions.
A treat for me was teaching baskets at Babes in the Woods in Huddersfield with my old friend and mentor Alan.So this week is for reflection and planning. Skills I improved upon on my amazing course with SSE. Dream big. Its never too late! 
Watch this space……….
Nature's Living Room CIC 