Chalk on the South Downs
CIC Wellness Centre in Ditchling, Hassocks
Chalk on the South Downs
Breathe, Heal, Connect. Making therapy more accessible.
Our mission statement...
Our mission is to provide a safe space in nature for people to come and reset.
Our aim is to help people who are unable, as yet, to access traditional therapeutic services. This may be through financial barriers or long waitlists.
Our environment affects how we respond: Experience and healing is enhanced through being in nature.
Our intent is to harness the healing power of the South Downs to make therapy and wellbeing support accessible to all. Through restorative wellness events held within the heritage landscape of the National Park, we help people discover, or reconnect, with the profound benefits of being in nature. We show how accessible this experience can be, even for those living in nearby cities such as Brighton, mirroring the South Downs National Park’s commitment to ensuring nature is open and welcoming to everyone.
Alongside this, we offer, where appropriate, meaningful engagement with horses to encourage mindfulness and emotional regulation.
Upcoming Events
Accessible Therapy in a Natural Setting
We believe that therapy and wellness should be accessible to all and so we will be working with local charities to provide counselling, workshops, classes and online self help programmes. Every event we offer will allow clients to 'pay it forward' meaning that those who are usually unable to access these services can.
Our base is located just at the foot of the South Downs. Home to rehabilitating horses, sheep, two black rescue cats and a few friendly dogs.
We have access to a beautiful yurt that will enable us to offer indoor classes as well as the stunning outdoors.
The business is run by Tessa, founder of Oakmill Equine Rehabilitation with a wealth of experience in business and finance and Alice, Integrative Humanistic Counsellor @alicebradleytherapy and successful local small business owner
Healing Through Nature and Community
We believe in the healing power of nature and community. From our land in Ditchling, we host restorative wellness events that not only nourish those who attend but also make it possible to offer affordable — and often free — therapeutic programmes for those who need them most.
Expert-Led Support and Safe Spaces
With a background in counselling and psychotherapy, and working within the BACP framework, we provide a safe and supportive space for renewal, connection, and healing.
Accessible Wellness for Everyone
Alongside our paid-for events we will be using grant funding to enable those who cannot access therapy and wellness through other avenues, to access our programmes with registered therapists and hand-picked facilitators.
Fees & Availability
Prices vary per paid event, we aim to keep these accessible to all with a higher and lower pricepoint.
We also offer a free guided monthly mental health walk where we gather our community for a Sunday walk and then gather afterwards to chat together.
Location
Get in touch
If you’d like to learn more about any of the services we offer, you’re very welcome to get in touch.
We’re here to answer any questions and help you decide which form of support might be right for you.
The safest and most convenient way to reach us is through the secure contact form on this website. Your message will be received confidentially and responded to with care.
We usually reply within 24 hours, and all communication is handled securely.