Summary

Over the past twelve months, the National Trust, in partnership with the NHS Mental Health Support Team and Natural England, has had the pleasure of welcoming parents and their primary-aged children to a series of free Family Wellbeing Sessions at Penrose and Kennack. These sessions were designed to help families explore emotional and mental wellbeing through playful, creative, and nature‑based activities, and the response has been inspiring.

Penrose: a hidden garden comes to life

At Penrose, families gathered in the peaceful Dial Garden, a beautiful space beside the Walled Garden that is usually closed to the public. This quiet corner became the perfect backdrop for activities that encouraged calm, connection, and creativity.

Children and parents took part in:

•           Radical downtime

•           Nature mandalas

•           Pebble painting

•           House rules scrolls

•           Planting activities 

The atmosphere was relaxed, playful and full of discovery.

Kennack: woodland wellbeing by the stream

Sessions have also taken place at the Natural England‑managed woodland behind Kennack Sands, with the same activities as at Penrose. In this magical streamside setting, families explored the woods, engaged in mindful activities, and enjoyed the chance to slow down together in nature.

Feedback

Parents, children, and colleagues from both the NHS, National Trust and Natural England shared overwhelmingly positive feedback. Many highlighted how valuable it was to have a safe, supportive space where children could build confidence, connect with nature, and simply enjoy time with their families.Sarah from the NHS team expressed her appreciation for the warm welcome and collaboration, noting how meaningful these sessions are as part of the ongoing partnership between the National Trust, Natural England, and the NHS.

Looking ahead

With the success of the events in 2025, all partners are excited to continue working together to offer more nature‑based wellbeing opportunities for young people. These sessions have shown how powerful simple moments outdoors can be, for confidence, for connection, and for joy.

We look forward to welcoming even more families in the months ahead.

Priorities	People, nature
Lead	National Trust
Funding partners	NHS Mental Health Support Team, Natural England
Community involvement	Parents and children

All images by Lydia Allt