Our community work

Profits from our commercial activities are used to provide therapeutic nature opportunities for people who have survived trafficking or torture. This model allows us to offer outdoor stewardship sessions at no cost to the people who attend, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent access. Our work is grounded in practical nature stewardship, with activities that enable individuals to spend time outdoors in a calm, steady environment. The aim is straightforward: to create safe conditions where people can take part in meaningful outdoor work without pressure, expectation, or the need to revisit personal experiences.

Many of the people who attend our sessions are navigating complex systems, unfamiliar environments, and the long-term effects of what they have endured. Our role is to offer reliable structure through nature-based activity. We focus on practical tasks that are clear, manageable, and grounded in the rhythms of the natural world.

Our sessions centre on the stewardship of bees honeybeekeeping . Participants have the opportunity to observe bees closely, understand their behaviour, and take part in routine hive checks and seasonal tasks. Working with bees encourages steady, focused attention and offers an experience of calm, predictable activity.

Alongside beekeeping, we provide light outdoor work that reflects the season and the needs of the site. This may include supporting native plants, clearing small areas of land, or participating in low-impact conservation tasks. All activities are explained clearly, adapted to the individual, and carried out at a pace that feels comfortable. The emphasis is on steady engagement rather than output. We also offer guided nature walks and opportunities to spend time observing plants, wildlife, and seasonal changes. These activities provide a straightforward way for people to reconnect with the outdoors and spend time in an environment that is quiet, spacious, and safe.

We also work to integrate participants into our wider community. Bee Connection brings together people from many backgrounds, and we encourage steady, day-to-day interaction that fosters mutual understanding. Our groups are often international and multilingual, and we welcome people of all nationalities, including British participants. Several attendees have experience with beekeeping in their home countries, and their knowledge contributes meaningfully to the practical work we do together.

Safety is central to our work. Our outdoor settings are chosen for their calm atmosphere and clear boundaries. Sessions are delivered with consistent staff, predictable routines, and clear explanations. People can choose how much they participate, step back when they need to, and move through the activities at a pace that suits them. We do not ask for personal information, and there is no expectation to discuss past experiences. Although we do not provide therapy, our work reflects key principles that support people who have lived through severe harm. This includes offering choice, maintaining a predictable structure, and ensuring that every task is explained in advance. Our aim is to provide an environment where individuals can feel steady in their surroundings and confident that nothing unexpected will be asked of them.

People attend for different reasons, but many describe similar benefits over time. Some report improvements in sleep after spending regular time outdoors. Others speak about feeling more settled, noticing reduced tension, or finding it easier to focus on daily tasks. Several participants reflect that being part of a small, calm group in a natural setting helps them reconnect socially without feeling overwhelmed. The practical, hands-on nature of our sessions often helps people feel more capable and present. Spending time outdoors in a structured way can provide a sense of routine, direction, and continuity during periods of uncertainty. These outcomes are not promised, but they often arise when people have regular access to safe outdoor activity and steady practical work.

Rebuilding life after trafficking or torture involves navigating challenges that are often invisible to the wider public. Nature cannot resolve these challenges, but it can offer stability. Outdoor work provides consistent activity, clear purpose, and a sense of connection that does not depend on conversation or disclosure. Bee Connection exists to make this type of support accessible. Our sessions offer people a calm environment, steady routines, and meaningful contact with the natural world at a pace they choose. For many participants, this becomes a reliable part of their week and a practical source of grounding during a demanding period of their lives.

Some of the people who attend our sessions are referred to us by partner organisations. One of these is Freedom from Torture, whose work supports individuals who have survived extreme harm. Information about their organisation can be found at www.freedomfromtorture.org.