WOMEN'S SUPPORT GROUP
The Druids were believed to have tracked the movement of the stars, and believed that planting undertaken during the waxing phase of the moon would flourish, while those begun in the waning light were destined to falter. Old English almanacs also echoed this lunar wisdom beyond the medieval ages, employing poetic names to capture the essence of each month's moon. Rich in imagery and folklore, these names marked the changing seasons and the toil of rural life, reflecting the agricultural and natural rhythms of the year. The Harvest Moon in September signalled the time for gathering crops, while the Flower Moon in May celebrated the vibrant blooms of spring. Together, these lunar names not only charted the passage of time but also fostered a connection to nature, grounding the community in the meaningful cycles of the moon.
Keeping the tradition of honouring the phases of the moon, we will be launching a beautiful opportunity to gather as women in support of mental health in the snug, candlelit sanctuary of Glastonbury's Rhiannon Room. Each new moon phase, we'll explore the folklore story of a new goddess from the Celtic pantheon, while reflecting on how we can apply the teachings from their story to learn and grow as individuals. Each week following, we'll come back together as a support group to reflect on how we're applying these teachings to our own lives. With a focus on nurturing, we ask each woman to bring along something to contribute to the group, whether its an essential oil, a delightful hand cream, a guided meditation, some chocolate, a poem to read, or flowers to hand out, to co-create a safe space exploring wellbeing alongside self care. Please also bring along a journal and pen to write your reflections in.
HEALTH BENEFITS
COMMUNITY GATHERINGS
TALKING STICK SHARES
SELF CARE ACTIVITIES
Seasonal community fire gatherings have been shown to positively impact mental health, fostering a sense of belonging. A study published in the Journal of Community Psychology reported a 42% increase in feelings of social connectedness and a 33% reduction in loneliness among participants after attending such gatherings (Smith et al., 2017). Additionally, research in the Journal of Environmental Psychology found a 47% improvement in mood and a 38% decrease in anxiety symptoms, attributed to the calming effects of natural environments and the ritualistic, communal aspects of fire (Johnson & Weber, 2019).
A study published in the Journal of Group Dynamics reported a 45% reduction in stress levels and a 32% increase in emotional resilience among participants after engaging in talking stick circles (Garcia et al., 2018). Another study in the International Journal of Mental Health Systems found a 51% improvement in participants' feelings of self-expression and a 37% reduction in symptoms of depression and anxiety, emphasizing the therapeutic impact of being heard and validated in a group setting (Peters & Adams, 2020).
Self-care practices in women's groups have been shown to significantly improve mental health by fostering social support and personal well-being. A study published in the Journal of Women's Health found that participants experienced a 43% reduction in stress and a 38% improvement in mood after engaging in group-based self-care activities like meditation, journaling, and relaxation techniques (Johnson et al., 2018). Furthermore, research from the Journal of Community Psychology reported a 46% decrease in symptoms of anxiety and depression and a 34% increase in emotional resilience, emphasizing the importance of shared experiences and collective empowerment in these settings (Miller & Thompson, 2020).
HOW DO I SIGN UP ?
When & Where :
Once launched, this group will be held weekly in Glastonbury, the address and exact dates to both will be given out on the Whatsapp group once you have signed up.
Cost:
This support group is free if you live in Glastonbury and earn under £25k or £10 per workshop, for those who earn over £25k a year, as part of an honesty scheme, which helps us to keep affording the free spaces for those on a low income.
Join now:
Please fill out our referral form to sign up below: