MP Visit to WYC’s Nature Therapy Site During Mental Health Awareness Week
Last week, as part of Mental Health Awareness Week 2025, we were delighted to welcome local MP Danny Chambers to Winchester Youth Counselling’s outdoor therapy site. Set in peaceful woodland surroundings, this natural space provides a grounding and nurturing environment for young people receiving support through our Nature Therapy and Walk and Talk Counselling sessions.
We began the morning with some nature connection activities, designed to help us pause, be present, and experience the calming effects of the natural world — just as we do in our regular sessions with young people. The visit offered a meaningful opportunity to discuss the increasing demand for youth mental health services, including the rising number of NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) individuals.
Alongside our staff, trustees and Youth Board members Charlotte and Megan, we spoke with Danny about the wide range of support WYC offers to young people and their parents or carers — from 1-2-1 counselling and wellbeing services, to family guidance and group work. A key focus of the discussion was how we can better support NEET young people in our community.
We were pleased to share that we will be working in partnership with Jobcentre Plus to create a new Nature Therapy group, supporting NEET individuals in the Winchester District. In addition, we are planning to launch a second Nature Therapy group this year, supporting 16–25-year-olds who may be facing challenges with education, employment, or their emotional wellbeing.
We were also joined by the ITV News team, who filmed the visit for a feature due to be broadcast on ITV News at 6pm this week (day TBC). We’ll be sharing the link via our social media channels once it airs – so please do keep an eye out!
A heartfelt thank you to Danny Chambers, the ITV crew, Charlotte, Megan, and all our staff and trustees who helped make the visit such a success. By opening up these conversations and continuing to push for improved support, we hope to raise greater awareness of youth mental health needs locally – and how community, connection, and the natural world can play a vital role in the healing process.
If you’d like to learn more about our Nature Therapy programme or our upcoming Nature Therapy group, supporting NEET individuals, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
To find out more about WYC, including the support we provide, head over to our website or explore our Resource Hub.
