The Gathering Ground CIC: grounding care experienced young people in nature, wellbeing and community so that the transition to adulthood is a journey, not a cliff edge
Grounding care experienced young people in nature, wellbeing and community so that the transition to adulthood is a journey, not a cliff edge.
Thriving,
Not Just Surviving
We envisage a world where care experienced young people thrive, not just survive. Connected in community, grounded in nature, and realising their potential.
Ground in Nature,
Grow in Community
We support care experienced young people, and the professionals who work alongside them, to deepen their understanding of their inner experience and their relationship with self, others, and the natural world.
Through inclusive, trauma-informed, nature-based programmes, retreats, and professional development, we create safe, restorative spaces that foster confidence, belonging, and hope for the future.
Meet Lucy & Kirstien
Lucy Reynolds
Many years across children's residential care, safeguarding, and nature-based practice, with a focus on ensuring care experienced young people are met with community and continuity as they move into adulthood.
Dr Kirstien Bjerregaard
PhD in Social and Organisational Psychology with nearly three decades of frontline work supporting resilience, wellbeing, and recovery. Co-founder of the Field of Possibility.
Roots to Rise
for 16 to 17 year olds
A year-long transition programme that supports care experienced young people as they move toward adult life, nurturing confidence, wellbeing, and inner stability through deep connection with nature and community.
Monthly gatherings, weekly check-ins, and seasonal residential camps grow a strong sense of belonging, relational resilience, and self-trust.
Finding Your Place
in The Living World
for 18 to 25 year olds
In-person and online gatherings and activities that support 18 to 25 year olds to navigate the ups and downs of independent life. Space for ongoing connection, reflection, and learning.
- Nature Connection Camps
- Online Gatherings
- Outdoor Workshops and events
- Mentoring sessions
Resourced from Within,
Rooted in Nature
for those who support care experienced young people
Restorative, nature-based weekends for the professionals who support care experienced young people.
Space for staff to reflect, regulate, and resource themselves, strengthening the quality and consistency of care available to the young people they walk alongside.
When Young People Are Supported into Adulthood, They Are More Able to Thrive
The care cliff is the sudden loss of support many young people experience when they leave the care system, often at 18 or 21.
While most young adults continue to rely on family well into their twenties, and even thirties, care experienced young people are expected to become independent almost overnight, managing housing, finances, education, work, and wellbeing without a safety net and community to support them.
This abrupt drop off in care is linked to significantly poorer life outcomes, not because of individual failure, but because support ends too soon. Research shows that care experienced young people face poorer life outcomes across many critical areas including education and employment, housing, mental health, physical health and are over represented in the criminal justice system.
The ‘care cliff’ happens at a critical life stage, when stability, relationships, and emotional support matter most. Care experienced young people are not failing, the system is. With the right relationships, stability and support, outcomes can and do change.
Resourced from Within,
Rooted in Nature
Field of Possibility, Totnes
Our first professional development weekend took place in partnership with Field of Possibility. This nature-based, restorative retreat was designed for staff working with care-experienced young people in social care settings.
The weekend offered guided reflection, group exploration and time in nature to support resilience, wellbeing and empowering practice. Facilitated by our own Kirstien Bjerregaard and Lucy Reynolds, with places limited to just 12 delegates.
Find Out More
@thegatheringground_cic
Follow us on Instagram for updates on our programmes, behind the scenes, and news about The Gathering Ground.
Contact Us
If you'd like to find out more about The Gathering Ground, our programmes, or how to get involved, we'd love to hear from you.
hello@gatheringgroundcic.co.uk