The Vision for Harestanes
Healing happens in connection, not isolation.
Over the past ten years, A Positive Start CIC has supported many people through counselling, workshops and trauma-informed learning. Throughout that time, one thing has remained clear: people benefit greatly from spaces where they can slow down, reflect and reconnect in a calm and supportive environment.
For many years I have held a vision of creating a peaceful setting where individuals, families and professionals could come together for learning, reflection and wellbeing.
We are now beginning to move forward with that vision.
Our intention is to gradually develop a wellbeing space at Harestanes in the Scottish Borders, where we can offer small group experiences that support emotional wellbeing, connection and understanding.
Our Wellbeing Community
When people step into calmer surroundings where there is space to breathe, walk and simply be, something begins to shift. Conversations deepen, nervous systems settle and people often feel more able to reflect on their experiences.
The vision for Harestanes is to create a place where this can happen naturally.
A place where small circles of people can gather to learn about emotional wellbeing, share experiences and reconnect with themselves and others in a peaceful setting.
A place where families can attend gentle wellbeing events connected to the River Room project, and where professionals can explore trauma-informed practice and safeguarding in a reflective and supportive environment.
This is not about building something large or commercial. It is about creating something thoughtful, calm and meaningful that supports people and communities over time.
A Place for Connection, Reflection and Wellbeing
Our intention is to develop a small wellbeing space at Harestanes in the Scottish Borders, where we will gradually begin offering:
• small group wellbeing retreats
• community reflection gatherings
• trauma-informed learning sessions
• family wellbeing events connected to the River Room project
• professional learning and safeguarding workshops
This space will allow us to create experiences that feel slower, more reflective and more connected to nature.
Groups will remain intentionally small to maintain the atmosphere of safety and connection that sits at the heart of our work.
Services at Harestanes
As A Positive Start CIC continues to grow, the development of the Harestanes wellbeing space will allow us to expand the services we already provide while introducing new approaches that support emotional wellbeing, healing and connection.
Our intention is to gradually offer a range of services including:
Counselling and Psychotherapy
We will continue offering trauma-informed counselling and psychotherapy for individuals seeking support with emotional wellbeing, trauma, relationships and life challenges.
Sessions remain person-centred and compassionate, providing a safe space where people can explore their experiences and move forward at their own pace.
Student Counsellor Placements
A Positive Start CIC is committed to supporting the next generation of counsellors.
The Harestanes space will allow us to continue offering supervised placement opportunities for student counsellors, helping them develop their skills while expanding access to counselling support within the community.
Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) Pathway
We will introduce a structured EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) pathway for those who wish to explore practical techniques for regulating stress, emotional overwhelm and cravings.
This approach combines gentle tapping techniques with emotional awareness and nervous system understanding to support personal wellbeing and self-regulation.
Walk and Talk Therapy
The natural surroundings of Harestanes offer a wonderful opportunity to introduce Walk and Talk Therapy.
Some people find it easier to reflect and talk while walking in a calm outdoor environment. These sessions combine the benefits of movement, nature and conversation in a supportive therapeutic setting.
Holistic Therapies
Alongside counselling and psychotherapy, we hope to offer a range of holistic wellbeing therapies that support relaxation, emotional balance and overall wellbeing.
These may include practices that support nervous system regulation, stress reduction and restorative self-care, complementing the therapeutic work already offered through A Positive Start CIC.
Small Group Wellbeing Retreats
Small group retreat days will offer opportunities for deeper reflection, learning and connection.
These retreats will focus on themes such as:
• nervous system regulation
• emotional wellbeing
• boundaries and self-understanding
• recovery from trauma and overwhelm
Groups will remain intentionally small (maximum 8 participants) to maintain a calm and supportive atmosphere.
Survivors Voices Café
We will also host Survivors Voices Café, a welcoming community space where individuals with lived experience can come together to share, listen and support one another.
These gatherings may include:
• open conversations around lived experience
• listening circles where every voice is respected
• guest talks and reflective workshops
• creative activities such as poster creation and awareness projects
Participation is always voluntary, and people are welcome to attend simply to listen and connect.
River Room Family Wellbeing Events
As the River Room project develops, we hope to offer family wellbeing events that support children and parents in building emotional awareness, confidence and resilience through storytelling, music and shared learning.
These events will create opportunities for families to explore emotional well-being together in a safe and supportive environment.
Outdoor Wellbeing Events
During warmer months and good weather, we also hope to host outdoor wellbeing events within the natural surroundings of Harestanes.
These events may include gentle group gatherings, reflective walks, seasonal wellbeing sessions and opportunities for people to connect with nature while exploring emotional wellbeing and personal growth.
Professional Learning and Training
The Harestanes space will also allow us to host professional learning sessions focused on trauma-informed practice, safeguarding awareness and emotional wellbeing.
These sessions will support professionals working with children, families and vulnerable individuals.
Rooted in Our Values
Everything we offer through A Positive Start CIC is guided by four simple values.
Safe – creating environments where people feel calm and respected
Seen – acknowledging people’s experiences without judgement
Heard – offering space for reflection and shared learning
Connected – building supportive relationships and community
These values will continue to guide the development of the Harestanes wellbeing space.
Building a Sustainable Future
As this project develops, we also want to ensure that the work of A Positive Start CIC remains sustainable for the future.
For that reason, we are introducing A Positive Start Wellbeing Community – a gentle membership community where people can continue to connect, learn and support the development of this work.
Members will have access to:
• monthly wellbeing gatherings
• supportive learning resources
• community connection
• priority invitations to retreat days at Harestanes
Our Circle of Foundation Supporters
To help us take the first steps on this journey, we are inviting a small Circle of Foundation Supporters.
Foundation supporters are people who believe in the vision of creating spaces where individuals and families can feel safe, seen, heard and connected.
Their monthly contribution helps sustain the work of A Positive Start CIC and supports the development of the Harestanes wellbeing project.
Foundation supporters can choose a £10 or £15 monthly contribution, and this founding rate will remain in place as the community grows.
Looking Ahead
The development of the Harestanes wellbeing space will take place gradually over time.
Our focus is not on rapid growth, but on creating something thoughtful, calm and genuinely supportive for the people we serve.
We are excited to share this next chapter with our community.
Join Us
If you would like to learn more about the Wellbeing Community or become part of the Circle of Foundation Supporters, please visit: