Wellwoods Family Play

Nature is the finest playground

Wellwoods is an outdoor play experience held in Wishaw, North Lanarkshire.

Wellwoods was a lifeline for us this year. When we started Sean was very antisocial, and didn't like interacting with other children or adults, a lot to do with the lockdown. Over the first few weeks of Wellwoods Sean really came out of his shell and started to really enjoy coming to the woods. The amazing leaders really helped with that, Nicola was so patient and consistent with him. Wellwoods showed Sean that being around other people, children and adults, was a positive experience and something to look forward to. I will always be so grateful for the experience of Wellwoods for Sean and me.

Keri, Wellwoods Parent

Book your space now

Wellwoods is a relaxed, welcoming space where families can slow down, get muddy and enjoy being outdoors together.

There's no timetable to stick to and no right way to play. Children can follow their curiosity, explore the woodland, take positive risks and make their own adventures, while grown-ups get the chance to step back, join in and connect with other families.

You might find yourself building a den, cooking up a storm in the mud kitchen, hunting for minibeasts or animal tracks, swinging from the trees, making woodland crafts or simply enjoying some good old-fashioned outdoor play.

Our sessions can include:

* Den building and woodland exploration

* Minibeast and habitat hunts

* Animal tracking

* Mud kitchen adventures

* Nature and woodland crafts

* Tree swings and climbing

* Family outdoor games

* Plenty of time and space for child-led play

Wellwoods isn't just about what children do. It's about families spending time together, building confidence, making connections and developing a lasting relationship with the natural world. And while the children are busy exploring, grown-ups can enjoy some time outdoors, meet other families and become part of the Wellwoods community.

Sessions are free, and we go out in all sorts of Scottish weather - so bring your waterproofs, sturdy shoes and willingness to get a little bit muddy!

Wellwoods is possible thanks to generous support from our funding partner, Thrive Outdoors.

Come along, get outside and see where the adventure takes you.

Book your free place here and find out more about upcoming Wellwoods sessions.

Child playing in a river, pouring water from a teapot

Wild Lesmahagow

A place to play, learn, grow and belong.

Our Wild Lesmahagow project gives children and young people regular opportunities to spend time outdoors, connect with nature and develop confidence, skills and friendships.

The project offers two connected after-school programmes:

Wild Time Community Play

For young people of primary-school age, Wild Time Community Play provides a safe, inclusive space to play, explore and have fun outdoors. Young people can follow their curiosity, take positive risks, build relationships and develop confidence and practical skills through child-led outdoor play.

Youth Foresters

As young people get older, Youth Foresters gives them the opportunity to take their outdoor skills further. Sessions provide opportunities to learn practical skills including fire lighting, outdoor cooking, shelter building, tracking, navigation and foraging, while developing confidence, independence and teamwork.

The programme also creates a pathway into volunteering and mentoring, giving young people the chance to take on greater responsibility, support others and develop skills for the future, with opportunities to work towards a recognised SCQF qualification in Forest and Outdoor Learning.

Together, Wild Time Community Play and Youth Foresters create a journey that grows with young people - from having space to play, explore and build friendships, to developing skills, taking responsibility and becoming leaders themselves.

Sessions run during term time in Lesmahagow and are led by qualified, experienced staff. To enquire about being added to our waiting list, contact us.

Wild Lesmahagow is made possible thanks to funding from the National Lottery Community Fund.

I've been going to Forest School for 5 years. It's a really good place just to unwind, see friends and play imaginary games like wolves or make dens. Everyone should get a chance to go to Forest School

Alexis, Aged 10 - Wild Time Forest School

Carer Wellbeing Programmes

Caring for someone you love can be rewarding, but it can also be exhausting and isolating. Finding time to look after your own wellbeing can feel almost impossible when someone else needs you first.

Our free carer wellbeing programmes create welcoming, pressure-free opportunities to step outside, connect with nature and spend time with people who understand.

There is no expectation to achieve anything or be anyone other than yourself. You can talk, laugh, make things, explore, sit quietly, or simply enjoy being outdoors for a while.

Our programmes currently include:

Steady Ground

Tuesdays in Motherwell and Hamilton

For parents and carers of children with additional support needs.

Steady Ground provides regular time outdoors for parents and carers to pause, breathe and focus on their own wellbeing.

The sessions offer a chance to connect with nature, meet other carers and enjoy activities designed to support relaxation, confidence and connection.

It's time that's for you - without pressure, judgement or expectations.

Book your free space: www.bookwhen.com/outletplayresource

Steady Ground is free to attend thanks to funding from Voluntary Action North Lanarkshire, Voluntary Action South Lanarkshire and the Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund.

Time in the Trees

Thursdays in Coatbridge

Time in the Trees recognises that carers' needs are different, so Thursdays offer two opportunities to connect with nature.

Family Play – morning
A chance for carers and the people they care for to enjoy outdoor play and explore together in a relaxed, supportive environment.

Carer Breather – afternoon
A dedicated space for carers to step away from their caring role for a while. Spend time outdoors, connect with other carers, take part in gentle activities or simply enjoy some breathing space.

To book your free space at either session, go to www.bookwhen.com/outletplayresource

There is no obligation to be there every week - you can come as often or as little as you like. Just select the session and date(s) you want to attend.

Time in the Trees is a fully funded programme, thanks to generous support from North Lanarkshire Carers Together.

Wild Time Play Breaks for Young Carers - pop-up sessions

Giving young carers the chance to take time out to play, socialise and learn new things in a pressure-free and nurturing environment. Referral only - contact office@outlet.scot to make a referral.

You don't have to do this alone.

Our carer programmes are about more than activities. They're about connection, community and creating a little more space for the people who spend so much of their time caring for others.

Come as you are. Take what you need. And give yourself permission to have some time outdoors, too.

Attending Steady Ground has honestly been one of the best things I’ve done for both me and my child over the past six months. It’s given us something to genuinely look forward to each week. My child can be quite shy, but I’ve seen such a lovely change, becoming more confident with every session. From the moment you walk in, you’re made to feel so welcome and supported. After each session, it truly feels like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders, and I always leave feeling lighter and so much better in myself.

Parent Carer, Steady Ground

Young boy carries a small log under each arm

2 young children hammer down a groundsheet with a mallet

SOARing Further for Young Adults

A chance to step outside, build confidence and find your next step.

SOARing Further is a nature-based programme for young people aged 16-25, supporting young adults who may be experiencing barriers to education, employment, training or social opportunities.

We believe that progress doesn't always happen in a classroom. Spending time outdoors, learning practical skills and being part of a supportive group can create space for young people to build confidence, discover what they're capable of and start thinking about what comes next.

Through SOARing Further, participants have the opportunity to:

* Spend time outdoors and connect with nature

* Develop practical and transferable skills

* Build confidence, resilience and independence

* Develop positive relationships and connections

* Try new experiences and take positive risks

* Explore interests, strengths and future opportunities

* Work towards skills, training or qualifications where appropriate

Sessions are flexible and person-centred, recognising that everyone starts from a different place and has different goals. There is no one-size-fits-all route through the programme.

Whether someone needs a supportive first step back into learning, wants to develop practical skills, is looking to build confidence around other people, or simply needs somewhere they feel they belong, SOARing Further provides the space and support to move forward.

Your next step doesn't have to be a giant leap.

Sometimes moving forward starts with something small - getting outdoors, trying something new, meeting someone, learning a skill or discovering that you're capable of more than you thought.

SOARing Further is about helping young people find those next steps, at their own pace.

To make a referral, contact office@outlet.scot

SOARing Further is possible thanks to support from VASLAN and the Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund.

2 young boys build something out of twigs and string

Train

For teachers, educators and community leaders to upskill in outdoor learning. Includes Forest School accreditation.

Learn

Programs designed to boost confidence, skills, and personal agency.

It all starts with a conversation

To find out more about how we can help you and your children and young people, simply send us a message. We can arrange a no obligation conversation to discuss how we can best meet your needs.

Don’t just take our word for it!

“The benefits and positive outcomes for James from attending Forest School have been phenomenal and the trusting relationships that have been developed with the staff team have been instrumental in not only assisting his recovery but providing a support network”

Jane - Kinship Carer