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13th Feb 24: Could Do Better (gathered in person at Moray Arts Center)

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13th Feb 24: Could Do Better (gathered in person at Moray Arts Center)

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Might be good to dedicate some time to letting us chat with those we’d like to connect with

Perhaps some interactive aspect to the meeting

Meet in nature

Not sitting so well

Neurodivergent is not just perception, if it is sensory- more people are becoming electromagnetic radio frequency aware and suffer intense pain, vertigo, nausea, ear pain, and tinnitus, burning throat and skin SILENTLY. This is a neurological state and manifests as anxiety etc. Which it is not. I would like to see this organisation more considerate of this as many now are. I am a trauma trained therapist and have worked with many, many ‘neurodivergent’ children and adults.

Warm up/ ice-breaker- on smaller groups to begin with

No fruit

Not enough time to talk with everyone here

To hear what's going on in Moray rather than Highland

More time to workshop creatively with each other. Less talking about the network itself.

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13th Feb 24: What worked well? (gathered at the Moray Arts center in person)

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13th Feb 24: What worked well? (gathered at the Moray Arts center in person)

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Meeting different organisations in a non-formal setting worked well

Relaxed atmosphere

Space to discuss presentations

In every meeting an OFFLINE space or time.

A good group of people that want to connect

Lots of great talks and information and connections

Great to hear what’s going on in the area. Learn a few things too, thank you.

Attitude

Great opportunity to network

Meeting people/professionals from circles that i don't usually mix in but may have interesting perspective to apply in my work.

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13th Feb 24: Future Network Ideas. (gathered in person at Moray Arts Center)

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13th Feb 24: Future Network Ideas. (gathered in person at Moray Arts Center)

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Moray Veterans- Touring workshops- a season of workshop events at different rural/remote locations on a theme relevant to all.

Include a creative activity when meeting

Good to have a place to find potential collaboration partners. Good location as local

Targeted topics- look at specific locations, funds, opportunities and explore tangible possibilities together

What would Wild Things like to gain from involvement? Ideas/ opportunities to work with people on a mental health wellbeing theme and/or creative artistic theme, outdoors, beyond the more predominately ecological work we do with people outdoors at the moment.

Longer term funded projects for communities- raw from community members.

May require more time for presentations.

How can we take this to socially isolated? Pluscarden clinic? Neurodiverse?

More hands on creative processes connect and exchange using our practice and skills

Connection via social Media

What could Wild Things contribute? Support logistics to get people outdoors, advice on how to work with groups out in the woods/ along the coast.

A formal building directory
Gain network funding

Opportunity to hear and see what people are up to

To make (tag-lex?) more accessible

Space to share our own plans/projects and to reachout for engagement

Place to pitch ideas for collaboration/ discussion topics

More time to hear all voices

Collaboration with other creatives and creative organisations.

Involving rural communities out with Forres/ Elgin/ Findhorn area

Ease of finding out what is on in Moray

Spread further into other parts of Moray

Link people who are aimed at certain areas or ages

What is already happening? - digital profiles of artists

Look at what is happening globally in this area and ask them to contribute to aid the way forward.

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I would love collaborations to come from the sessions. People can join together who have similar views to create events for the community. Maybe those who work for organisations and know how to access funding, could seek to connect with the self employed creatives to support them in their projects. The more freelance creative organisations work with, the more diversity and opportunities can be created. It's also lovely to simply meet and connect with others doing similar things in the area.

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Big dreams, but yeh, a collective database of sorts, who's doing what, who wants to collaborate, spaces, funding, partnerships etc

The gatherings are really helpful for meeting people, being inspired, so it would be nice to keep those up and quarterly feels like a good frequency

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Here is a wee directory of Network participants. Only those contact details already available in the public domain have been included - please add notes, your contact details and expand the list!

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Helen Moore: works with demention scotland community activity coordinator. was a choir but lead retired so now leads.

also run art group one for those with dementia and art club with carers.

Previously was an outdoor instructor.

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Danielle: counsellor and therapist in schools in Moray and Highlands. Almost completed forest bathing certificate and keen to offer this. Keen to collaborate and find funding etc.

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Deirdre: feelance conucellor, walk and talk therepy with folks like Wild things / Nature for health as well as own practice.

Keen to connect and network with others who hold this work in their hearts. e.g. Branching Out course: use of forests over 12 weeks who have mental health challenges. sometimes other specialists come in like folk doing textiles.

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Emily, Naturally Useful. Work with natural materials for weaving etc looking to share space for groups inc gardening - emerging and new!

Q: how to provide space for community members who need it but can't afford it as a hire?

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Donna: Yoga therapist and teacher. Here to find out what it's all about.

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Importance of good governance to secure funding - Lucy version (1)

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Follow up with new connections 😀

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Good governance presentation attached!

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Importance of good governance to secure funding

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Abi Clarke
Development officer at tsiMORAY
Governance, Funding & Volunteering
Send me an email at: abi@tsimoray.org.uk

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31st Aug 23: IMPACT - Nicola Watson, facilitator tackling loneliness in rural areas

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31st Aug 23: IMPACT - Nicola Watson, facilitator tackling loneliness in rural areas

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31st Aug 23: TSIMoray presentation on Good Governance

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31st Aug 23: TSIMoray presentation on Good Governance

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1. Increase understanding and knowledge for staff and volunteers in the organisation. Have they had disability inclusive training? This can build confidence and knowledge about disability which is key to understanding and addressing the barriers disabled volunteers face.

Focus on the support and adjustments that volunteers need rather than their impairment or health condition by regularly asking volunteers/members about their needs and attempt to understand potential barriers.

Take a look at the culture in your organisation as well as your communications. Look out for stereotypes, stigma and unconscious bias about disabled people and address and concerns head on.

Make it easy to get involved by considering how members might experience your process, use multiple methods of communication and provide different formats.

Create an environment where people feel able to disclose their support needs. Perhaps identify activities that could be done as a pair or a group or join remotely.

Understand skills and motivations from members joining.

Make communications more accessible by looking at colour contract for visually impaired people, font choice, don’t rely on an image to tell members crucial information, think about image descriptions, make videos with closed captions, think about your hashtags.

2. Timescales were a challenge but they came from external forces and have improved over the years as process is developed and iterated. Also having clearer criteria’s to be implemented as a result from learning and sharing learning can help to make new or improve existing decision making processes. The presentation goes into more detail of the challenges as well as what worked well, lessons learnt etc.

3. I am only aware of: https://forresospreybus.co.uk/ and their contact number is: 07400123456 or also get in touch with: http://www.moray.gov.uk/moray_standard/page_52932.html

4. For safeguarding more information can be found at: https://scvo.scot/support/running-your-organisation/governance/risks-and-problems/safeguarding and also attached a guide on “good governance and safeguarding”

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13th June 23:  Alex Williamson, FBA and freelance

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13th June 23:  Alex Williamson, FBA and freelance

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Really nice to meet everyone today. As reported at the meeting, I work at Findhorn Bay Arts looking after their marketing and communications. I'm also a freelance writer and photographer, with a particular focus on portrait and documentary photography. I'm currently working on a project about growing fruit and veg and its connection to health and wellbeing. It would be great to connect in with some of you on this project - you can find out more here: http://www.alexander-williamson.com/a-growing-community. I'd also be very keen to explore how nature-led photography walks and workshops could help others with their mental and physical wellbeing.

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A project focused on the community gardeners and small scale growers of the Moray firth region.

From novice growers to green-fingered experts, these candid portraits celebrate Scotland's growing community, shining a light on the people taking new and alternative approaches to growing fruit and veg sustainably.

With each portrait comes with a story, with participants describing their inspiration and aspirations, some recounting the physical and mental health benefits, while others reflect on how gardening helps them reconnect with nature or lost loved ones.

This project was first initiated as part of the Unexpected Gardens project in Forres, with the aim of documenting a summer of sowing, growing and sharing in Moray. in 2022, Unexpected Gardens were grown by the local community in partnership with Findhorn Bay Arts as part of Dandelion, the Scotland-wide creative growing initiative. This community included local residents living in the lanes and alleys of the town centre, growing groups who came together in a Cultivating Connections network during the programme, and local artists, musicians, growers and producers who were involved.

Now expanded into the neighbouring regions along the Moray firth, this project celebrates the communities and individuals dedicated to growing their own fruit and veg all year round - and in the unlikeliest of places.
Press Coverage
Photography exhibition at Forres Town Hall celebrates the community Unexpected Gardens project - Forres Gazette - 30 September 2022
Exhibitions
Sept-Oct 2022, Findhorn Bay Festival

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Alexander Williamson - Photography: A Growing Community

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Portraits of fruit and veg growers in the Scottish Highlands and Moray. Initiated in 2022 as part of the Unexpected Gardens project in Forres, part of Dandelion - the creative growing initiative.

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Thoroughly enjoyable couple of hours this afternoon - so nice to make new connections, and thank you to Heidi and Lucy for coordinating and hosting.

Know we ran out of time but if poss next time would like to share knowledge on organising workshops etc

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A very welcoming space and group of people. I welcome remaining connected to the network and will link in reference young people’s mental well-being activities and opportunities

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I really enjoyed meeting new people! I wish to have more time with individuals so that we can have a chance to know each other more.

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Enjoyed hearing from everyone and the group discussion. Also great facilitation:)

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Great event, really enjoyed the relaxed feeling and approach. Love the idea of an outdoor meeting. Possibly a slightly longer meeting for more opportunity to chat with others, starting a little earlier?

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13th June 23:  Participatory Arts and Mental Health Guidance 2023 .pptx by Harry Ross

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13th June 23:  Participatory Arts and Mental Health Guidance 2023 .pptx by Harry Ross

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13/06/23 Attached top tips on funding presentation. Hope this is helpful :)

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13th June 23: Funding Top Tips .pptx by Abi Clarke

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13th June 23: Funding Top Tips .pptx by Abi Clarke

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Nature 4 Health
We take folk, working with all ages, out in nature to support mental health and wellbeing. Achieving this through walks, foraging, bushcraft etc, including nature art, crafting and other creative practices.
www.n4h.co.uk
www.facebook.com/n4h.co.uk

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Jane benson OTB 07913188575 jane@otbds.org

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Artists James Chitty facilitating a beach art activity and conversation. 

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12th Jan 23: Kresanna Aigner, Creative Director of Findhorn Bay Arts

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12th Jan 23: Kresanna Aigner, Creative Director of Findhorn Bay Arts

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Hello, I am the CEO / Creative Director of Findhorn Bay Arts based in Forres. We are a producer of cultural events and activities rooted in the communities of Moray. We do this through the delivery of year round creative learning programmes, creative residencies embedded in communities, and events and festivals, with our signature event the biennial Findhorn Bay Festival. Through our work we contribute to place making and regeneration, and across all that we do community wellbeing.
If you would like to find out more please visit our website: www.findhornbayarts.com and if you would like to discuss a project or collaboration please email info@findhornbayarts.com.

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12th Jan 23: Diana Mosterd. Equine Assisted Coach & Video Producer

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12th Jan 23: Diana Mosterd. Equine Assisted Coach & Video Producer

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Thanks for organising this event! I would love to extend my network and connect with others. I work as an Equine Assisted Coach (Life coaching with the help of horses) and I produce video’s. Location: Forres. www.connectingimages.net

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- I am keen to be connected with what is happening as I facilitate the Locality Network in  Moray Council.  Multi-agency network which supports children, families and young people in Moray.  I am especially keen to find out what is happening with regards to nature connection mental health and wellbeing as it is brought up a lot at network meetings and/or working groups.  There are over 100 organisations/services represented so lots of potential for working in partnership to support children, families and young people in Moray  Laura.russell@moray.gov.uk

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jacqui@simplicitysvqs.co.uk
delivering SVQs and HNC in Health and Social Care and Children and Young People
Happy to work in collaboration :)

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12th Jan 23: Jessica Becker of Studio Weef

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12th Jan 23: Jessica Becker of Studio Weef

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Weaver & teacher of weaving courses. Good to connect and see what's on offer and what is needed within local area.

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12th Jan 23: CBB - Moving around and more networking 

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12th Jan 23: CBB - Moving around and more networking 

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12th Jan 23: CBB - provide contact possibility 

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12th Jan 23: CBB - provide contact possibility 

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 12th Jan 23: Frank Hayes  Creative Director For Enjoyment CIC    SC604483 Art in Healthcare - Creative Programme Co-ordinator             Vice-Chair DG Unlimited (Chamber Of The Arts D&G) 07470261753 forenjoyment970@gmail.com

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 12th Jan 23: Frank Hayes  Creative Director For Enjoyment CIC    SC604483 Art in Healthcare - Creative Programme Co-ordinator             Vice-Chair DG Unlimited (Chamber Of The Arts D&G) 07470261753 forenjoyment970@gmail.com

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12th Jan 23: Is there a membership for this network?

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12th Jan 23: Is there a membership for this network?

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Also would there be an opportunity for patrons to engage with members of this network

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12th Jan 23: CBB - A bit more chance to mingle with each other 

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12th Jan 23: CBB - A bit more chance to mingle with each other 

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12th Jan 23: WWW -  Very energetic session 

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12th Jan 23: WWW -  Very energetic session 

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12th Jan 23: - Follow up on contacts, Check out padlet and suggestions

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12th Jan 23: - Follow up on contacts, Check out padlet and suggestions

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Inspiring supportive inclusive and empowering!

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12th Jan 23: Research more about people who are here - Think about partnerships 

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12th Jan 23: Research more about people who are here - Think about partnerships 

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Meet with other organisations and collaborate for exciting project possibilities..

Getting together to help isolated, exclusive communities

Just supporting each other and networking with beautiful inspiring people

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12th Jan 23: Contact other participants to engage in partnerships and working 

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12th Jan 23: Contact other participants to engage in partnerships and working 

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12th Jan 23: WWW - Networking with others

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12th Jan 23: WWW - Networking with others

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Great positive session and looking forward to hearing how some of the seeds planted today will grow.
Thanks for bringing everyone together

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12th Jan 23: Meet with other organisations to discuss opportunities from SUQ's  

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12th Jan 23: Meet with other organisations to discuss opportunities from SUQ's  

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Would love to reconnect with Moray Well-being Hub and connect with Moray Arts Centre with both of my hats on ( as For Enjoyment Creative Director and as Arts in Healthcare Creative Coordinator in Dumfries and Galloway ). To share learning and experience.

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Fab event, really relaxed and interactive. Hope there will be another one to enable more networking! Thank you

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Keep in touch with people I’ve met and share ideas / activities

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WWW - The energy and enthusiasm of the participants.
WCBB - My internet connection

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Keep the network in mind when discussing support available for mental health and wellbeing.

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Will be looking at Moray Well-being Hub resources and MAC project examples to inspire projects in our rural community. Meeting more artists!

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Will take this info back to the other co-researchers on this evenings meeting.

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Follow up with connections made this evening.

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This was a great event! Super to get the opportunity to join online as I was keen to be involved yet not able to attend in person. And the tech worked brilliantly!

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12th Jan 23: Free Activities - sometimes folk register on Eventbrite, etc, but don't know  

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12th Jan 23: Free Activities - sometimes folk register on Eventbrite, etc, but don't know  

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12th Jan 23: Transport is tricky for folk - expensive or no public transport - Community Bus initiatives 

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12th Jan 23: Transport is tricky for folk - expensive or no public transport - Community Bus initiatives 

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12th Jan 23: The benefits of being part of a group in support for the artist eg. with safeguarding, help with different issues

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12th Jan 23: The benefits of being part of a group in support for the artist eg. with safeguarding, help with different issues

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Working together to create new pathways for qualification choices

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Partnership between a hearts harvest haven trees for life and Tessa Brock for therapy sessions

Collaborations between groups to aid in funding and grant applications

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12th Jan 23: Place merging Opportunities  

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12th Jan 23: Place merging Opportunities  

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What doesn't work in one place may work elsewhere - SHARE

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12th Jan 23: Creative focus aids participation

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12th Jan 23: Creative focus aids participation

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Therapeutic passing things around and being part of a group

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Lots of free events, creative but also its about the connection and chatting with people, post pandemic isolation, anxiety to get back into community

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Test within GP practise in Forres - not always medication route, what else can be added locally

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Platform that is accessible for all partners

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12th Jan 23: Therapy in Nature Partnership Possibilities 

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12th Jan 23: Therapy in Nature Partnership Possibilities 

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Between A Heart's Harvest Haven (Donnah), Trees for Life, Tessa (therapist), Nature 4 Health

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Great to see how it connects with climate change and climate justice (Trees for Life eg)
Connect in post-pandemic re cost of living crisis, nature can help mitigate and share resources for those socially disadvantaged, library services connection?

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Directory of potential funding and their funding requirements so that we can match our projects with others that meet the funding requirements.

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Stay connected and informed

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Online directory of organisations, people, contacts, what they can offer and what we are looking for.

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12th Jan 23: Pandemic has raised awareness of the benefits of creativity

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12th Jan 23: Pandemic has raised awareness of the benefits of creativity

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Painting, knitting, crochet

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12th Jan 23: Frank - really looking forward to linking up again

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12th Jan 23: Frank - really looking forward to linking up again

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Excited to collaborate again, work together, new 'hat' Art in Healthcare Creative Coordinator Dumfries and Galloway

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Understanding need and interests

Alternative approaches to health & well being

working on a standardised method of evidenced based  evaluation

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12th Jan 23: Discuss How to develop ideas and funding opportunities and scope

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12th Jan 23: Discuss How to develop ideas and funding opportunities and scope

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Breaking Barriers

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help to signpost services

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12th Jan 23: To show you don't need qualifications to be creative 

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12th Jan 23: To show you don't need qualifications to be creative 

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12th Jan 23: Looking at it wider, a hub like this becomes a gateway to other opportunities. A good network should also be a gateway to other  paths and directions that people would have never maybe considered 

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12th Jan 23: Looking at it wider, a hub like this becomes a gateway to other opportunities. A good network should also be a gateway to other  paths and directions that people would have never maybe considered 

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Frank

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It's natural to be creative, to connect, people don't only need this because they're unwell, its a natural need and right, top up the nature batteries

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12th Jan 23: Opportunity Collaboration Connection

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12th Jan 23: Opportunity Collaboration Connection

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We're so lucky to have such wonderful nature on our doorstep

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Holistic, being in the outdoor environment

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To obtain funding, need to show improvements in mental health are happening and recorded

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To obtain funding, need to show improvements in mental health are happening and recorded

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Back Table: Francie, Jackie, Donnah, Erik and Tessa

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Back Table: Francie, Jackie, Donnah, Erik and Tessa

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Reigniting connection to self.
Opening new pathways to health.
Finding ways to play with nature
A new paradigm in healthcare and self-care
New paradigm in healthcare from medical system to a more social and inclusive way
Increasing community resilience
Increasing environmental protection
Advancing community development
Increasing human connection and reducing reliance on technology

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Being part of a group - more access to the people needing help and support 

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Being part of a group - more access to the people needing help and support 

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Be creative, comfortable with self, enjoyment is really important

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12th Jan 23: Finding and sharing what is out there.

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12th Jan 23: Finding and sharing what is out there.

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12th Jan 23: being part of a larger network helps you concentrate on being "creative"

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12th Jan 23: being part of a larger network helps you concentrate on being "creative"

# data[].attributes.body
Not getting bogged down in admin etc

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12th Jan 23: Improving access to C&N for community members

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12th Jan 23: Improving access to C&N for community members

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12th Jan 23: Prevention AS WELL AS recovery

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12th Jan 23: Prevention AS WELL AS recovery

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Bolster mental health BEFORE, rather than after they've been to GP. Lots to gain from creativity. Don't want to create 'patients' by formally recording

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12th Jan 23: Evidence - based evaluation

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12th Jan 23: Evidence - based evaluation

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Peer-support and supervision for practioners working with groups - how do they process what is happening

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Across different sectors to connect and share, collate the info and bring local expertise to the fore, making connections locally and nationally

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A group of people where there is support from others, accessibility, drawing on natural resources of the area. A network of people with a shared interest in nature, well-being and creativity where we can share resources and skills.

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12th Jan 23: Important to be aware of various groups going on in Moray

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12th Jan 23: Important to be aware of various groups going on in Moray

# data[].attributes.body
Sharing at meetings etc. MH and wellbeing practitioners in GP surgeries - gain info from the network and share wider