People Who Care, People Who Understand

At Reel Wellbeing, we believe that the outdoors offers more than fresh air and scenic views — it provides a path to healing, reconnection, and lasting mental wellbeing. Based in the heart of Somerset, we offer gentle, nature-based support for people facing real-life mental health challenges. Through calming fishing sessions, peaceful natural settings, and a strong sense of community, we help individuals rediscover a sense of balance, purpose, and calm.

You don’t need to be a fisherman, or even someone who regularly spends time outside. Our sessions are open, inclusive, and designed for anyone who simply needs a break from the pressures of modern life. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, low mood, isolation, or burnout, spending time in nature can create space to breathe — mentally, emotionally, and physically.

The idea that nature can benefit mental health isn’t just a comforting thought — it’s backed by a growing body of scientific research. Numerous studies have shown that exposure to natural environments can reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance overall wellbeing.

Time spent in green and blue spaces — think woodlands, rivers, lakes, and coastlines — has been linked to lower levels of cortisol, the hormone responsible for stress. Even short periods outdoors can slow heart rate, reduce blood pressure, and increase parasympathetic nervous system activity, which helps us calm down and recover from stress. These are physiological responses — automatic reactions in the body that don’t require effort or belief. Nature helps us, even when we’re not actively trying to be helped.

Researchers from the University of Exeter, for example, found that people who spend just two hours per week in nature are significantly more likely to report good health and high psychological wellbeing. Importantly, the benefit held true regardless of age, income, or existing health conditions — suggesting that the outdoors can be a universal form of support.

For many people facing mental health challenges, traditional settings can feel overwhelming. Clinical spaces, group therapy, or formal interventions may not be suitable for everyone. The outdoors, on the other hand, offers a low-pressure environment where people can simply be.

There is no expectation in nature. No need to explain yourself or perform in any way. You can sit quietly, walk at your own pace, or cast a line into still water. This level of freedom allows people to engage at a level that feels right for them. It respects individual boundaries while gently encouraging movement, presence, and connection.

That’s why outdoor-based interventions — like green therapy, social prescribing, and fishing for wellbeing — are gaining popularity across the UK. They work because they meet people where they are, not where others think they should be.

Fishing is at the heart of what we do — but not because we’re trying to create a club or turn people into expert anglers. Fishing is simply a tool. It’s a calm, quiet activity that creates structure without stress. It provides a reason to be outdoors, to focus on something, and to share space with others without the need for constant conversation.

In fishing, there’s patience. There’s rhythm. There’s opportunity for mindfulness. And there’s no winning or losing. Just the gentle anticipation of a bite, the sound of water lapping, and the satisfaction of simply being there. For those struggling with anxious or racing thoughts, fishing slows the pace. For those feeling low or numb, it can provide a spark of purpose.

It’s also social — but in a uniquely non-intrusive way. Sitting beside someone on a riverbank or lake allows for connection without pressure. You don’t have to talk if you don’t want to. But if you do, you’ll find people who listen without judgment and understand what you’re going through.

The mental health benefits of being outside go beyond lifting your mood in the moment. Time in nature has been shown to help with:

• Reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression
  Being outdoors helps regulate the nervous system, lowers stress hormones, and improves emotional stability over time.
• Improving sleep quality
  Exposure to natural daylight supports healthy circadian rhythms, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.
• Boosting self-esteem and motivation
  Engaging in a meaningful activity like fishing, walking, or observing wildlife can create small but powerful achievements that build confidence.
• Decreasing rumination and overthinking
  Natural environments draw your attention gently and allow for mental quiet, which helps break cycles of negative thinking.
• Encouraging physical activity
  Even low-level movement, like walking to a fishing spot or setting up a chair, can have benefits for both physical and mental health.

Reel Wellbeing is not a replacement for therapy or medical care, but we offer something equally important: a place where people feel safe, seen, and supported. Mental health issues often carry stigma, especially in rural areas. Many people feel ashamed to ask for help or unsure where to turn. That’s why creating an open, welcoming environment is so vital.

There’s no judgement here. Whether you’re coming because you’re feeling overwhelmed, burned out, lonely, or simply need some time away from everything — you’re welcome. And you’ll find others who understand, because many of us have been there too.

We work alongside local services, charities, and support networks across Somerset to make our sessions accessible to those who need them most. Whether you’ve been referred by a social prescriber, a community mental health worker, or found us yourself, you’re in the right place.

Mental health is often supported by structure, routine, and a sense of connection — three things that are often missing when someone is struggling. Our sessions are designed to bring these elements back into people’s lives in a gentle, low-pressure way.

By attending regularly, participants begin to form habits. They get outdoors, they engage with others, and they start to feel part of something. Even small, consistent steps can lead to long-term change. And over time, these experiences can build resilience — the ability to face challenges and bounce back from difficulties.

Our hope is that for many, Reel Wellbeing becomes more than a session. It becomes a touchpoint in their week, a community to rely on, and a stepping stone to wider wellbeing.

Reel Wellbeing was founded with one simple goal: to create a calm, compassionate space where people can support their mental health naturally. We are based in Somerset and run sessions across the county in peaceful, accessible outdoor locations.

Our team brings a mix of lived experience, community knowledge, and a deep belief in the power of nature. We’re not here to fix people — we’re here to walk alongside them, to listen, and to help create conditions where healing can happen.

From peer supporters to trained facilitators, everyone involved in Reel Wellbeing shares a commitment to kindness, respect, and inclusion. We don’t ask people to be anything other than who they are. We believe that’s enough.

Reel Wellbeing is open to adults aged 18 and over. We welcome people from all backgrounds, including those who:

• Are experiencing anxiety, depression, or low mood
• Feel socially isolated or lonely
• Are going through a difficult life event or transition
• Have been referred through a social prescriber or support worker
• Are looking for a calm, non-clinical space to be outdoors and connect

You don’t need to have a formal diagnosis. You don’t need to have experience with fishing. And you don’t need to explain yourself. If you feel like this might help, you’re welcome to try it.

We’re continuing to grow our sessions across Somerset and develop new ways to support those who need us. Whether that’s through one-to-one support, group activities, or tailored sessions for particular communities, our aim is always the same: to create space for wellbeing through connection with nature.

As we build partnerships with local organisations, NHS teams, and community groups, we hope to make nature-based mental health support a normal, accepted, and celebrated part of recovery and resilience.

If you're interested in what we do — whether for yourself, a friend, or someone you work with — we invite you to reach out. You can explore our sessions, read our guides, or simply follow our journey. You’re welcome here, however you arrive.

Because mental health doesn’t have to be faced alone. Sometimes, all it takes is a calm space, a caring group, and a little time outdoors to begin feeling more like yourself again.