Forest Bathing for Hoarding Recovery – How You Can Help Make It Happen

At Red Squirrel OT CIC, we believe in creative, compassionate approaches to supporting people living with hoarding disorder. Hoarding is recognised as a mental health condition, often linked to anxiety, trauma, and other complex challenges. It is a complex, recognised mental health condition that can significantly impact a person’s daily life, relationships, and physical health. For those living with it, environments can feel overwhelming, decision-making exhausting, and shame and isolation can be constant companions.

For many people who hoard, leaving home can feel daunting - yet gentle, positive experiences outside can be transformative.

That’s why we’ve partnered with Woodland Wellbeing to offer a Forest Bathing taster session for people who hoard. On Wednesday 24th September, 10 participants will gather at Staunton Country Park, Havant, to slow down, breathe deeply, and immerse themselves in nature. Guided by experienced facilitators, we’ll explore mindful walking, sensory connection, and quiet reflection - all while building confidence and trust.

Why Forest Bathing?

Originating in Japan, forest bathing (Shinrin-yoku) is a guided, mindful walk through woodland, designed to slow your pace, open your senses, and connect deeply with nature. An evidence-based practice, research has shown that even a short time in nature can lower cortisol (the stress hormone), improve sleep quality, boost immune function, and enhance mood.

For people who hoard, this kind of experience can be transformative. Nature offers a safe space - free from demands, visual overwhelm, or judgement. It provides a calming reset for the nervous system, improve mood, helping to quiet racing thoughts and ease emotional tension. It offers a rare opportunity to experience the world without pressure or expectation.

Our Funding Challenge

The event costs £450 and we currently have no funding to cover this. Without support, we may need to charge participants — many of whom are already facing financial hardship. We want to make this event free so that cost isn’t a barrier.

How You Can Help

We’ve launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise £450 to cover all costs. Every donation, no matter the size, will directly enable someone to attend this life-enhancing session.

Ways to Support:

• Donate via our GoFundMe page

• Share this blog and our fundraising link with friends, family, and colleagues

• Spread the word to local housing officers, social workers, and community groups

  
  

This is more than just a wellbeing activity - it’s a chance for people living with hoarding disorder to feel safe, supported, and valued while experiencing the proven benefits of nature

Help us open this door for them. Together, we can make sure no one is excluded from this opportunity because of cost.

💚 Click here to donate now