Feedback is key to evaluating our impact and sustaining our Haven Community Wellbeing Project – whether through in person conversations, social media comments, open days, online questionnaires or the traditional suggestion box.
Here’s what they said…
At our Haven & Earth Day event in March 2024, we carried out a survey and identified that:
3 in Every 4
Had previously attended a class or event at The Haven.
63% of visitors
Had benefitted from free sessions as part of our Community Wellbeing Project
100%
Of the respondents found the classes ‘very beneficial’
“I felt welcomed and valued. It’s a beautiful space”
“Everyone was so welcoming and offered lots of information.”
“There’s nothing like this anywhere for mums to meet like this.”
“I’ve come away feeling really energised. I know I’ll carry this feeling through the weekend. I already can’t wait for next week’s session.”
“The Haven is buzzing – an excellent venue with fantastic energy.”
“Lovely chat and advice when picking up our seed potatoes, and the yoga clothes swap was so nice!”
New Mums’ Wellbeing Group
Due to popular demand, we launched our second New Mums’Wellbeing Group in April 2024.
Here’s what they said…
“So relaxing, and so lovely to meet other mums and babies in the area.”
“The one-to-one time with my baby, and being with you, and the other mums meant everything.”
“Coming here on a Friday is the highlight of my whole week”
“I’ve learned so much from coming to this group that I’d never have known otherwise”
“I don’t feel judged here, everyone is so lovely and welcoming”
“I love being part of the Mums Group, I instantly feel relaxed when I come into The Haven, and my baby does too”
*We noted that separate cohorts, based on baby age, help foster group cohesiveness, and these new connections continued outwith attending the group sessions. We’re currently planning to start our #3 cohort.
New Mums’ Wellbeing Group #1 @ Aberdeen Art Gallery
The Haven Plot
Home Education Group @ The Haven Plot
Our teaching garden, the Haven Plot, provides a wealth of experiences for all ages in our community – whether complete beginner or seasoned grower.
It’s an exposed seaside site, and the stormy winter weather has meant we’ve had to build resilience into everything that we do.
Here’s what they said…
Just built a new compost bin/pile exactly as per your advice. Wow it took off like a rocket and 1 day later it is pumping out a huge amount of heat….the dogs have taken to sitting on it for a free heat!”
“The camaraderie & friendships out of that couple hours/week are pretty much priceless – and the tatties of course.”
“I’ve gained peace and joy from the plot with amazing company. It’s great to take your anger out on digging and pulling out weeds.”
“The main thing I’ve learned is planning and strategy. The booklet gave me some solid technical advice, but mainly how to just get on with it, with some easy early wins to keep things moving. I will end up with a very productive veg garden at the end of this – I actually started eating my own radishes already.”
Case study feedback from a long-term beneficiary of support from The Haven, including The Haven Community Wellbeing Project
Have you felt your physical wellbeing has improved from attending?
“Yes, my physical wellbeing has improved a lot, from yoga. I am stronger and can do more… also losing weight.”
Have you felt your mental wellbeing has improved by attending?
“Yes, being with people has helped my mental wellbeing, I have something to look forward to, where we can smile together. What happens at yoga, stays at yoga.”
Have you met new people you had not met before by attending?
“Yes, a few yet still slowly getting to know more – even if it’s just someone to say hello to in the street or shop.”
Overall were you satisfied with the teacher delivering the wellbeing activity?
“The instructors have all been great and amazing, also to make sure that you can always modify or skip an exercise, you know your body best.”
Do you feel you have been able to manage life better from attending?
“My life is still hard, even though you broke free, it’s the mental rebuilding which is hard, going to these classes all helps giving my week a structure, so yes it has helped me manage my daily life a little better.”
Case study feedback from a beneficiary of support from The Haven Community Wellbeing Project, now currently volunteering at The Haven.
Have you felt your physical wellbeing has improved from attending?
“Yes, I feel that my physical wellbeing has improved by attending the many different classes and therapies that The Haven has to offer, including Yoga & Tai Chi & Pilates”
Have you felt your mental wellbeing has improved by attending?
“Yes, I’m loving the choice of wellbeing therapies that The Haven hosts. From mini day retreats to sound baths and the upcoming Moon Circles. These are all things I find help me to switch out of negative modes of thoughts and focus on other things, new and exciting things.”
Have you met new people you had not met before by attending?
“I have, being new to the area it has been a lovely place to meet new people. I have formed a couple of friendships because of The Haven and find myself waving and talking to people in the street that I have previously met in classes.”
Overall were you satisfied with the teacher delivering the wellbeing activity?
“100% recommend”
Do you feel you have been able to manage life better from attending?
“It‘s such a lovely space. It‘s in the centre of town, with a busy road and a loud pub beneath it and as soon as I start walking up those stairs there is a calmness that comes over me with each step towards the studio. Because I know for the next hour or so I’m going to enjoy myself!”
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