Bushcraft lessons 'safe space' for men with autism

Sessions in which autistic men on the Isle of Man are offered the chance to learn basic outdoor survival skills have become a "safe space" in which they can "relax" in nature, feel calmer and better regulate their emotions, those taking part have said.

The Neurotribe group is run by the charity Soul Adventures, which provides outdoor sessions designed to improve overall wellbeing.

David Brody, who was diagnosed with autism and ADHD as an adult, said he had noticed the effect of "blue and green spaces" on his mental health.

The 34-year-old said spending time outdoors had "a profound effect on my brain wiring" and to "come outside into nature... you start to relax".

David said some everyday environments could be overwhelming for neurodiverse people, with trips to supermarkets "always quite triggering".

Being in the natural environment was "more helpful", he explained.

"It just seems to work - it seems to be a great environment to help you regulate."

The sessions are designed with that in mind, combining practical skills with space to unwind, including hammocks strung between trees and lawn games.

"Even with the hammocks… you can kind of just go there and swing… it's great," David said.

Soul Adventures, working with Autism Initiatives, receives funding from the Manx Lottery Trust.

It is open to people aged 16 and over.

Founder Kate Burquist said Soul Adventures grew from her experience working with autistic students at University College Isle of Man.

She began by taking students on hiking trips and later introduced a group of nine autistic boys to the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme.

"This exposure to nature was really helping with their emotional regulation," said Kate.

She said they told her things like "I feel free out here", "I'm not judged" and "I don't have to mask".

Since starting the bushcraft sessions, she said she had received similarly positive feedback.

"They always call this a safe place," Kate said, adding that participants could be themselves without fear of judgement.

She added that the island's abundance of nature was an "overlooked resource" and "a massive toolkit that we can be utilising".

Its impact was both "powerful" and "quite magical", she added.

Anna said there was also growing scientific understanding of the benefits of nature.

"Just being around trees… calms their autonomic nervous system," she said.

Another member of the Neurotribe is 30-year-old David Smith.

"We want to represent people who have a voice inside and outside," he said.

David previously completed his Bronze, Silver and Gold Duke of Edinburgh awards and found a number of different sports had helped him.

The project is due to run for a year.

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