Co-Directors of Fresh Air Fridays innovative programme of relaxation in the outdoors, Ruth Steggles and Rose Dixey, decided to expand their wellbeing business during lockdown, by offering remote breathing space sessions online. Rose said that they wanted to make the sessions ‘accessible for all’ and to give people the ‘tools and skills to create a life they really want to live.’

Ruth founded the business, when she discovered the benefits of the outdoors on her own family life, allowing her daughter, who was battling anorexia at the time, to talk freely in an open space. She invited her good friend and colleague, Rose (both have over 30 year’s experience in education, coaching and self-development) to join her in running weekly outdoor sessions, to support the mental and emotional wellbeing of people across the UK.

Sadly, the classes ceased during lockdown, although they are now beginning to restart in limited groups and locations. The breathing space sessions have been very successful, with up to 30 people taking part across several daily sessions.

The 30-minute drop-in sessions are live, free to attend and take the viewer on a journey of relaxation, with some structured short exercises to help decompress and relax and a chance to connect with other people in small groups.

In future, there are plans to develop a new venture called ‘Pathways to Happiness’, which will allow participators to take part in an audio programme, following 12 themes such as self-belief, comfort zone and relationships, and explore these ideas through walking. They can then join a facilitator online as part of a small group to discuss their experiences. The programme is due to be launched in mid-August.

On siting the value of the work that they do, Rose emphasises,

“Connection is so important. Walking outside and fresh air provides a safe space and gets your mind working in a different way. It gives people that pause to reflect and make changes to their lifestyle.”