Canaries Together
Nature-led inspiration for overwhelmed health-care professionals
Reflective experiences in nature to bring about clarity, balance and renewed purpose
Jude Casson & Jess Down, a doctor and former nurse-turned-coach team. We are passionate about empowering colleagues to come together & reconnect with themselves through nature. By releasing our tired 'canaries' from their everyday constraints, we can find greater balance, clarity and renewed purpose.From previous participants -'I really enjoyed all of it... the private time wandering / being in nature, the individual reflective tree of life exercise and the powerful active listening pair exercise gave a rich sense of release''It was a very relaxing afternoon, a real treat to have self-care time in nature and feel its healing power''I found the session so refreshing, just what I needed to help lift me out of feeling jaded. The arboretum is a truly special space to be. The peace and beauty really let my canary fly free and start thinking about what I want to change in life. Felt so liberating, thank you!'
Our sessions
Canaries sessions started in March 2025. We offer afternoons amongst the trees in Leicester for healthcare professionals of all kinds to find new ways to thrive. Working in health care has become ever more challenging. Using nature and trees as our guide and inspiration, these sessions will be a chance to reflect and connect in different ways. We have much of the time in the sessions outdoors in the beautiful Attenborough Arboretum, as well as making use of facilities in the cosy indoor space.What to expectSupport in finding some headspace
More connection with yourself
An opportunity to connect with others
Empowerment to start creating a life that feels more sustainingThese seasonal offerings will be held on Saturday afternoons 1.30-4.30pm:
Summer - 7th June
Autumn - 13th September
Winter - 17th January 2026.Cost £30 (£20 supported rate)
Bring a friend for free - you both pay £15Facilitated by doctor and former nurse team Jude Casson and Jess Down.Each session is stand-alone with different activities, and you are very welcome to come along and try one to see if it meets your needs. We hope that with the changing of the seasons, you may also benefit from coming back again during the year, to reflect on your life in between and build on connections.The common thread through all of the sessions will be space for nature connection.The Arboretum is easily accessible less than 2 miles south of the city centre, bus stop at the door for 44/44A, cycle and car parking.For more information please email [email protected]
About Us
Jude - I'm passionate about empowering people to live well by deepening their connection to nature. I've worked as a doctor in the NHS for over 25 years and spent increasing time wishing I could be working outdoors more with people to improve their health and mine. It often seems sad and frustrating that we start off in our roles knowing the kind of life that would allow ourselves and our patients to flourish more, and yet the ways our institutions are set up feels to be the opposite.I am lucky enough to live close to several beautiful green spaces in Leicester City, and have found much joy in a community garden project. These opportunities have really supported my recovery from burnout, and it's a joy to share the arboretum with more and more people who are already feeling the benefit. As an experienced group facilitator for university student wellbeing and holistic health, I am loving co-creating the Canaries sessions with Jess. I'm looking forward to being able to support more people in the Attenborough Arboretum over the year.Jess- After leaving nursing in the NHS I knew I still wanted to be caring for others and retrained as a coach, NLP practitioner and think Like a Tree Facilitator.I've always found peace and inspiration amongst the trees and
love seeing clients outside in and around the Sheffield area. I weave natural principles into my coaching work to empower clients to focus on the parts of their lives they can control-daily habits, thought patterns and beliefs. I'm excited to be working with Jude in Attenbourgh Arboretum.
Four Seasonal Meets
Saturday afternoons 1.30-4.30pm
Spring - 22nd March - session held
Summer - 7th June - places available
Autumn - 13th September
Winter - 17th January (2026)
Attenborough Arboretum
Carisbrooke Rd, Leicester LE2 3TQ
Additional information
Privacy policy:
Effective from 23/01/2025
Canaries Together value the privacy of our users and are committed to
protecting your personal data. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect,
use, and share your data, as well as your rights regarding your personal
information.
Our data controller is Jessica Down/Judith Casson
Email: [email protected]You have the right to make a complaint at any time to the Information
Commissioner's Office (ICO), the UK supervisory authority for data
protection issues (www.ico.org.uk). However, we would appreciate the
chance to address your concerns before you approach the ICO.
Information we collect
Personal data-name, email address, phone number
Payment information. We do not store payment details but payments are
processed via Tickettailor.
How we use your data
We are legally required to collect and store your data to protect our legal
rights.
We use your email address to communicate confirmation of booking and
to inform you of any updates about events.
Data Sharing
We share your details with Tickettailor for secure payment processing.
Your data rights
Under UK data protection law you have the following rights:
1)To request access to your personal data
2)To request deletion of your personal data
3)Object to our use of your personal data for specific purposes.
4)To limit how we use your data
5) Correction of any inaccuracies or incomplete personal data.
6)Data portability:receive your data in a structured way.Data Retention
We retain your personal data for as long as necessary to provide services
to you and resolve any disputes. This is to comply with legal obligations.International Data Transfers
Canaries Together is only operating in the UK. All data is stored and
processed within the UK in compliance with GDPR requirements.Security measures
We implement security measures such as regular secure data backups,
access controls and authentication and regular security assessments.
While we strive to protect your personal data, no digital transmission of
data is guaranteed to be completely secure. Any transmission is done at
your own risk. If you suspect any data breach please contact us
immediately.Changes in policy
We may change or update this privacy policy if any practices or legal
requirements require such changes. We will notify you via email.For privacy related inquires please contact Canaries Together at
[email protected]Terms and Conditions:
We are passionate about supporting health care workers and look forward
to welcoming you to one of our events.Disabled access and additional needs:
The events will be held at Attenbourgh Arboretum. The event will take place
in the Arboretum grounds and visitor centre. The arboretum has flat level
paths which are wheelchair accessible from the car park. The visitor centre
has ramp access and a disabled access toilet. If you have any specific
accessibility questions please contact us at [email protected]What to bring:
*suitable clothing for outdoor activities
*a notebook and penWhat is included in the ticket price:
The ticket price include activities and worksheets as well as hot and cold
drinks.Refunds and cancellations:
We reserve the right to cancel the event for any reason (eg insufficient
numbers or unsafe weather conditions to allow safe travel to the
Arboretum. In the event of cancellation your ticket can be used for a future
event. If you are unable to attend in the event of exceptional
circumstances please get in touch to discuss options. This will be discussed
on a case by case basis. Contact via: [email protected]Concessionary Rates
We have included two options for ticket price as we do not want finances
to be a barrier to attending our events. Please use your own judgement on
what ticket you purchase.Liability:
A Health and Safety assessment has been completed at the arboretum
and a safety briefing will be given at the start of the event. Please inform us
if there are any health conditions or safety concerns you have prior to
purchasing your ticket to ensure the site is suitable. Contact at
[email protected].
There is free on site parking available at Attenbourgh Arboretum (entrance
on Carisbrooke Road) Vehicles are left at owner’s risk. We do not accept
any liability for any damage, loss or injury to any attendee or their
possessions whilst attending an event.
What will we be doing in the sessions?We have crafted a balance of time spent over the sessions of quiet nature connection, an activity to reflect on your own life and one which allows time with another person to think about your experience in the NHS.Do I have to come to all the sessions?No, we know healthcare workers are busy people and it may be difficult to commit to all four in the year's seasonal cycle. Each one is a stand alone session.Will we be outside if the weather is not kind?We are aiming to spend some of all the sessions in the arboretum, so please dress for the weather on the day. There are benches and tables amongst the trees , so if we are fortunate then there is plenty of comfortable outdoor spcae. We are also lucky to have a cosy indoor space which we can heat in chilly weather, and ideal for warm drinks and cake in the break times if need be. In mixed weather we have options for both so we can accommodate various needs. Please contact us if you have particular needs that it would be helpful for us to be aware of.Are there any particular resources you will be using?Yes, we have developed and adapted resources especially for the sessions, and you will have some to take home. The greatest resource will be nature itself and we hope time spent surrounded by trees and birdsong will be nourishing and grounding.
