What is ‘Into the Woods’?
Into the Woods Family Sessions are run as a collaboration between Zephyr’s and Boots & Brambles, and are open to any members of bereaved families. This includes parents, grandparents, siblings, carers, friends or other family members – anyone touched by the loss of a pregnancy, baby or child.
When do the sessions happen?
The sessions run monthly on a Saturday morning from 10am -12 midday (usually the last Saturday of the month, but please check Boots & Brambles or our website for upcoming dates.) You don’t have to get there at precisely at 10am, and you can join is as soon as you’re able to arrive.
Do I have to come every month?
You can come along as often or as little as you like. Each month there is a different seasonal theme, so each time there are different activities, and you are more than welcome to attend some or all of the sessions! It’s up to you.
What happens at a session?
Into the Woods sessions are very friendly and relaxed. You are welcome to arrive anytime during the session. There are a range of different seasonal nature based activities on offer each time, as well as trusty favourites – mud kitchen, giant bubbles, hammocks, tractors and slacklines. You are free to explore the woods with your family – there’s no expectation to do a particular activity. We offer hot drinks and biscuits and finish the session with a campfire and marshmallow toasting.
Does my child have to be a particular age?
Not at all, our sessions are open to all ages. Always!
Can we bring Grandad (or Granny, or cousin Sue, or Uncle Bobby?
Yes! All family members affected by baby and child loss are welcome, regardless of how long ago your loss happened.
Do I have to talk about my loss?
No, not unless you want to. There is no expectation at all for you to talk about your loss experience, but if you want to do so, you are in a safe, relaxed space where everyone around you is part of a grieving family. We all have our own individual journey, but all share the same experience of navigating family life after loss. Carly from Zephyr’s always attends, and will be there if you want to have a chat. This can also be a good opportunity to find out more about how Zephyr’s as a charity can support you.
My little one doesn’t understand or know about our loss, can we bring them?
Yes of course, we appreciate that every family’s experience is different. Some children may know about a loss, while others may not. The woods provide a place for children to play, but it is also a safe place for them to express grief and feelings (although they don’t have to.)
Carly often brings along a selection of children’s books on loss that can be borrowed. There’s never any pressure or expectation!
Who runs the sessions?
Each session Fran from Boots & Brambles and Carly from Zephyr’s will be facilitating in the woods. Fran and Carly are both bereaved mothers themselves, and sometimes their families come along too!
Is there a toilet?
Yes! Although this is very much a session out in the woods, you’ll have access to indoor toilets and hand washing facilities. Our site also has car parking, and we provide hot drinks and snacks.
What should we wear or bring?
The sessions take place in our beautiful woodland so suitable outdoor clothing (that you don’t mind getting muddy) is a must for all attendees! We run our sessions all year round in all weather, and although we always have large tarpaulins up in the woods for shelter, we are an outdoor group with outdoor activities.
Do I have to book and pay?
Our Into the Woods mornings are fully funded and paid for by Zephyr’s, so they are free of charge if you’re coming along. We do ask that you use our usual Boots and Brambles booking system to reserve a place, as this helps us know how many people to expect, and keep track of how many families we are supporting.
Book here : www.bootsandbrambles.com/product/into-the-woods-with-zephyrs
If you’d like to like to, you are welcome to donate to Zephyr’s, or explore the many ways you could support the charity – through volunteering or fundraising. Take a look at their website : www.zephyrsnottingham.org.uk
Our FAQs aim to give a full picture of what to expect, however we do recognise it can feel emotional coming along for the first time. If you’e not sure about coming, and want to know more about what it might be like, please reach out to Carly at Zephyr’s : contact@zephyrsnottingham.org.uk