Isla joined our ND Patchworking Garden Group, a 9 session outdoor programme for children and young people with neurodiverse (ND) needs. She was referred because anxiety, including emotional and separation anxiety, was affecting her confidence and ability to take part independently.

How we helped

We used a gentle, relationship-based approach to help Isla feel safe and build confidence at her own pace. As she became more familiar with the staff and environment, she took part more fully in activities and formed a positive friendship. When she needed to miss a session, she felt very sad, showing how meaningful and secure the group had become for her.

“Isla quickly built positive relationships and felt happy, safe and heard… We could always see the positive impact after sessions.” — Isla’s mum

One activity Isla particularly enjoyed was “Rabbits and Foxes”, a game that explores fight, flight and freeze responses through play. She developed her own strategies within the game, building her understanding and confidence.

We also focused on practical, hands-on activities that made emotions and coping strategies easier to understand. Isla:

• Made a sensory bottle to support mindfulness and calming
• Learned breathing techniques through “hot chocolate breathing” (drinking hot chocolate slowly and noticing the smell)
• Discussed how anxiety impacts us and explored different ways of managing it
• Created a plan for a coping/sensory box to use at home
• Received a keyring at the end of the programme capturing positive things other group members had said about her

Having practical tools helped Isla recognise what worked for her and use strategies beyond the sessions.

The difference it made

Using Goal Based Outcomes, a simple 1–10 scale showing how well things are going from the child’s perspective (10 being the best things can be), Isla reported:

• Confidence improved from 4 → 8
• Understanding emotions improved from 5 → 8
• Happiness improved from 2 → 8

Over the programme, Isla showed more confidence in group situations, a stronger understanding of her emotions and anxiety, and an increased ability to use coping strategies. She also developed a positive friendship, a stronger sense of belonging and growing confidence to speak up for herself.

“I learned how to manage my anxiety, social skills and confidence and I liked snacks and the foxes and rabbits game.” — Isla

Name changed to protect identity