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< Back Elisabeth Winkler 'Writing round the fire' Facilitator Elisabeth has written for all the broadsheets including The Guardian and the Independent ( an example can be found in the link below ). Having also written a journal all her life she believes in the power of writing for self-expression, transformation and grounding. We are proud to include Elisabeth as part of the BoT team, where she is currently facilitating the following group: 'Writing round the fire' The fire gives focus. Writing increases this focus, helping us ground in the moment, making that moment more noticeable and real as we describe in words what we see, sense and hear. Pens and paper are provided. Every Wednesday ( until further notice ), 2 pm - 3pm, Boiling Wells Ampitheatre Childhood Sexual Abuse Article

< Back Jack Phillips Change Mentor & Supporter With over 20 years of experience working at a senior level within the premium hospitality and leisure sector. I understand what people want not only from a facility but from the teams that work within them. High value is more about experience and journey and creating everlasting memories than just luxury. A father to my amazing children and a keen explorer of life, I truly believe that some people act on impulse and some when they are ready. You should never beat yourself up about where you are compared to others, because we have no idea what others have gone through to get where they are or if they just wake up one day after months or even years of overthinking and decide to make a change. We are all capable of making a change in our lives but how and when we do it should be up to us. Change is exciting, daunting and can be very tricky, embrace new experiences and absorb others lessons. I have faced both extreme personal and business challenges and I’m always looking to pass on my experience, my expertise, my love of life and my journey. We can start where we are right now and change the end.

< Back Andrew Hamilton Personal Trainer & Group Fitness Lead Having recently retired as a Royal Marine Commando, I've made the decision to transition away from military life to pursue a career in the health and fitness industry. This choice stems from my newfound role as a father and the desire to spend more time with my family. My passion for sports and fitness dates back to my school days, leading me to pursue a BTECH in Sport Exercise Science at Filton College (SGS college). During my time there, I excelled on the college's basketball first team, competing at the elite level across the country while gaining international experience away in Belgium and Germany. I also was one of a few college players to represent the Bristol Flyers (then Division 1 NBL) men's first team. Following college, I continued my academic and athletic journey at Loughborough University, studying Sports Science and Management while playing under Coach Drew Sullivan, the GB basketball captain. Graduating after four years, I pursued a professional basketball career, representing teams like the Leicester Riders and eventually returning to my hometown of Bristol to play for the Flyers in the British Basketball League. However, after a season with the Leeds Force I faced considerable personal challenges and realised the need for a fresh start, a new direction. Drawing on my family's military background, I made the decision to join the Royal Marines, seeking to challenge myself and make a positive change in my life. Now, with nearly six years of diverse experiences, I've discovered my true career path. My time in the Corps has taught me invaluable lessons about physical fitness and personal development. Combining my education, athletic background, and military experience, I am now equipped with a Personal Training Level 3 qualification and a wealth of knowledge to support others in their fitness journey. I am committed to helping individuals become fitter, faster, and stronger, while also fostering confidence, well-being, and overall health within the community I aim to build. Visit the DCC Website

Please Donate Use QR Code to donate to Back on Track Use your device's camera to access our JustGiving checkout Download QR code For printing purposes when attending a fundraising activity e.g. to wear the QR code at an event like a sponsored run

Proposal for Nature-Based Accessibility & Wellbeing Project Focusing on improving access to nature while fostering wellbeing, resilience and social connection Executive Summary This proposal seeks funding to support an innovative, community-driven initiative focused on improving access to nature while fostering wellbeing, resilience, and social connection. Through eco-friendly construction of accessible trails, paths, steps, and gathering spaces, we aim to create inclusive outdoor environments that alleviate suffering for individuals facing hardship, including those affected by trauma, poverty, homelessness, addiction, and mental health challenges. Background & Rationale Suffering is a shared human experience, and healing is most effective when it takes place in community. Many individuals in our society experience isolation, anxiety, depression, and marginalization due to circumstances beyond their control. Traditional support systems often fail to provide meaningful opportunities for reconnection with self, others, and the natural world. Time spent in nature has been shown to reduce stress, improve mental health, and foster a sense of belonging. However, for many people, access to nature is limited by physical, financial, or psychological barriers. Our project seeks to remove these barriers by creating welcoming, accessible outdoor spaces where individuals can contribute, connect, and heal - without labels, stigma or judgment Project Objectives 1. Improve accessibility to nature by constructing eco-friendly paths, boardwalks, and resting areas. 2. Create safe, inclusive outdoor spaces that encourage social connection and community support. 3. Provide meaningful volunteer opportunities for individuals facing hardship, fostering purpose, skill-building, and empowerment. 4. Promote environmental stewardship through sustainable, nature-based projects. 5. Develop micro-enterprise initiatives to support long-term sustainability and internal revenue generation. “Pathways to Nature, Pathways to Healing” Breaking down barriers to the outdoors - one step, one trail, one gathering space at a time. By building accessible, eco-friendly spaces, we’re not just improving access to nature; we’re fostering resilience, connection, and collective healing. Join us in creating a world where no one is left behind. Project Activities 1. Accessible Nature Trails & Paths • Construct and improve pathways using reclaimed wood chips, compacted gravel, or recycled rubber. • Install raised edges and rope guides to enhance accessibility for visually impaired individuals. • Create rest areas with repurposed wood benches and natural rock seating. 2. Simple Wooden Boardwalks & Steps • Build raised boardwalks over muddy or uneven terrain using reclaimed timber. • Construct gentle steps with sustainable handrails for easier navigation. • Apply non-slip surfaces for added safety, using eco-friendly materials. 3. Eco-Friendly Fencing & Boundaries • Use woven hazel, willow, or reclaimed wood to create natural, aesthetically pleasing fences. • Install handrails along steep sections for increased safety. • Establish living fences (hedgerows) with native plants to enhance biodiversity. 4. Outdoor Community Kitchen & Gathering Space • Construct a weatherproof outdoor kitchen using reclaimed materials. • Set up a semi-permanent pergola, yurt, or large tented space for community gatherings. • Install a rocket stove or cob oven for eco-friendly cooking and communal meals. 5. Adaptive Gardening & Conservation Projects • Develop raised garden beds to enable accessible community gardening. • Build insect hotels, birdhouses, and bat boxes to support local wildlife. • Establish a rainwater collection system to promote sustainable water use. 6. Micro-Enterprise & Internal Revenue Generation • Offer “Pay-What-You-Can” workshops in woodworking, plant identification, and foraging. • Create and sell handcrafted eco-tools, wooden furniture, or nature-inspired crafts. • Launch a community-supported eco-tourism project, where visitors donate to experience guided walks and nature therapy sessions. Social & Environmental Impact Social Impact: • Reduces social isolation and fosters belonging through collective action. • Provides opportunities for skill-building, teamwork, and leadership. • Supports emotional healing through connection with nature and meaningful work. • Encourages intergenerational and cross-background collaboration, strengthening community ties. Environmental Impact: • Promotes ecological conservation through sustainable building practices. • Enhances biodiversity with native plant landscaping and wildlife-friendly structures. • Encourages responsible stewardship of natural spaces through volunteer engagement. Collective Action Budget Overview The requested funding will cover essential costs, including: • Materials: Reclaimed wood, gravel, eco-friendly fencing, plants, and building supplies. • Tools: Basic hand tools (hammers, saws, shovels, rakes, wheelbarrows, etc.). • Transportation: A used truck for material transport and site access. • Shelter: A tent, yurt, marquee, or pergola for community activities. A detailed budget breakdown is available upon request. Sustainability & Long-Term Vision This project is designed to be self-sustaining through a combination of micro-enterprise initiatives, volunteer support, and partnerships with local organizations. By providing ongoing opportunities for participation and skill-sharing, we aim to create a lasting impact that extends beyond the initial funding period. Our long-term vision is to expand this model to other locations, demonstrating that grassroots, nature-based initiatives can play a critical role in community healing and resilience. Our Vision Conclusion & Call to Action We believe that access to nature is a fundamental right, and that no one should be excluded from the healing power of the outdoors due to hardship, disability, or circumstance. By funding this project, you will be investing in a transformative initiative that not only improves physical accessibility but also fosters emotional wellbeing, social connection, and environmental stewardship. We invite you to join us in creating pathways to nature, pathways to healing, and pathways to a more connected and compassionate world. For more information or to help us raise funds please contact us. Thank You for your time Return to Home

< Back Bert the Fourth Unofficial Head of Treatment Bert offers the men of Back on Track a chance to express themselves freely, without judgment. With a life shaped by deep empathy, he understands their struggles firsthand—his resilience was forged through betrayal, abandonment, neglect, physical and emotional abuse, deprivation, poverty, malnutrition, kidnapping, being orphaned, tortured, and beaten. Despite it all, he remains a source of unconditional love, care, and companionship, reminding everyone that healing is possible.

< Back Kevin C. Dooley Honorary Patron & Motivational Speaker Kevin C. Dooley has had life experience of substance use, and has experienced the myriad of issues that manifest from this lifestyle. This gives Kevin unique insights regarding others going through similar challenges. After achieving academic success in his chosen field of the social sciences he dedicated himself to working with offenders, the homeless and those affected by addiction and mental health. After over twenty year’s substance free, he retains the passion and continues to involve himself with working to provide better ways and opportunities for those marginalised in society. He has developed and delivered lectures and workshops in residential rehabs, for drug and alcohol charities, being a recovery coach to individuals and was a key consultant on Avon & Somerset Constabulary’s Restorative Justice Program, for the Probation Service, and has worked in all aspects of Criminal Justice Drug & Alcohol work, including Courts, Probation, Prisons, after being choosing to become a full time Criminal Justice Worker, by a panel that included a Detective Sergeant! “Kevin’s clinical skills are excellent and I have witnessed his ability to engage and work with our service user groups.” – James Brazier, Team Manager, Avon & Wiltshire MH Partnership NHS Trust “Service users we jointly work with say Kevin is someone they find easy to work with and he will continue to chip away until he finds some way of progressing with them, way beyond the point where a lot of others would give up.” – Probation Service Officer, Weston-super-Mare As a media consultant on addiction, mental health and offending, Kevin has appeared on BBC’s News at Ten, Channel 5’s series Autopsy’, on BBC Scotland, BBC World Service, BBC Sounds Podcast ‘Gangster’, GB News, European and Spanish radio, The Independent Newspaper, The Sun, Daily Record, Sunday Mail, Answers from Big Issue, The Shaun Atwood Podcast and other international documentaries and panel shows. Kevin discussing his life on TV (Opens in new tab)

7 Life-Altering Challenges of Back on Track's support PHILOSOPHY The reason why we call ourselves the ACE X - Men: We are named after the “ACE” (Adverse Childhood Experiences) framework because we are committed to overcoming the profoundly damaging impact of these seven life-altering challenges: 1. Physical Abuse – Harm or violence against a child. 2. Sexual Abuse – Exploitation or sexual harm. 3. Emotional Abuse – Constant belittling or emotional neglect. 4. Physical Neglect – Lack of basic needs like food or safety. 5. Emotional Neglect – Absence of nurturing or affection. 6. Household Mental Illness – Living with a family member struggling with mental health. 7. Parental Acrimony/Separation/Divorce – The emotional toll of family breakdown. These experiences shape lives, often leading to long-term mental and physical health issues. By understanding and addressing these challenges, we empower individuals to rewrite their stories, becoming stronger just like X-Men. Boundaries, Boundaries, Boundaries Don't Leave Home Without Them An integral part of redressing the balance is (re)setting boundaries, which are essential to maintaining recovery and the way we approach life in general. In unison with nature we create safe spaces for healing and protecting mental well-being. With emphasis placed on defining what is acceptable, this in turn allows the men we support to empower themselves and rebuild focus on their respective revivals. Read More SPEAKING CIRCLES Empowering Transformation The corner stone of our support in regard to overcoming any or all of the seven challenges is to provide a safe environment for talking openly and sharing with each other on a regular basis. Naturally, this is integrated within many other aspects of our courses. However, the men we support benefit greatly from our T ransformational Speaking Circles which are held outdoors where possible - these can have many benefits, including: Empowerment: Transformative circles can help individuals to contribute to a group whereas in other settings they may not. Reflection: With daily and weekly practice they can help individuals to reflect (not dwell) on the past and use those moments to constructively plan making positive changes moving forward. Active listening: Participants can practice active listening skills by focusing on both the words and the tone being used by others. Emotional connection: Participants can build emotional connection among themselves and learn to better process what resonates within. Shared understanding: Participants can cultivate empathy and a shared sense of understanding alongside a sense being a part of. Confidence: Openly speaking can help build confidence. With positive affirmations from peers also helping to build confidence when speaking outside of the transformational speaking circles. Tell YourTruth Poem Grounding in Nature @ St Werburghs City Farm Outdoor Transformational Speaking Circle preparations at Boiling Wells Ampitheatre, St Werburghs City Farm, Bristol Truth Button - Philosophy Try A Simple Truth External solutions are not a fix for internal problems Remember to forgive yourself, we are all works in progress A majority of limitations are those we set upon ourselves Rewilding & Recovery Rewilding offers a unique path towards recovery from addiction. By reconnecting individuals with the natural world, it combats the isolation often associated with addiction and losing direction in recovery. Spending time in nature reduces stress, promotes mindfulness and fosters a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Substance misuse often involves suppressing natural instincts and desires. Embracing "wildness" in a metaphorical sense can involve rediscovering one's passions, expressing emotions authentically, and living a more fulfilling life. Rewilding often involves restoring ecosystems to their natural state, allowing them to thrive without human intervention. Similarly, individuals in recovery can focus on building resilience and self-reliance, learning to cope with challenges and setbacks without resorting to unhealthy coping mechanisms. Furthermore, rewilding provides opportunities for social interaction and building supportive relationships within the BoT community who are focused on nature and recovery in unison. Our passion for rewilding the natural world is utilised by us as a complementary tool within our comprehensive timetable of other (w)holistic activities and support groups. This philosophy better enables us to guide the rewilding process for the men we support more effectively. Rewilding Process

CLARIFICATION Volunteering and Recovery Capital It can significantly improve your recovery capital in several ways: 1. Building Personal Capital Developing Skills and Confidence: Volunteering allows you to learn new skills, gain valuable experience, and boost your self-esteem. These accomplishments can be empowering and contribute to a positive sense of self-worth. Improved Physical and Mental Health: Engaging in volunteer work can provide physical activity, reduce stress, and combat depression and anxiety, all of which are crucial for maintaining recovery 2. Increasing Social Capital Expanding Your Network: Volunteering connects you with new people who share your interests and values. These relationships can provide support, encouragement, and a sense of belonging. Strengthening Existing Relationships: Volunteering can be a shared experience with friends or family, deepening your bonds and creating positive memories together. Building Community Ties: Engaging in community service fosters a sense of connection and responsibility, making you feel more integrated into your community. 3. Enhancing External Capital Access to Resources: Volunteering can open doors to new opportunities, such as job referrals, mentorship, and access to valuable resources. Positive Reputation: Your contributions to the community can enhance your reputation and create a positive image for yourself. 4. Finding Meaning and Purpose Giving Back to Others: Volunteering provides a sense of purpose and fulfillment by allowing you to make a positive impact on the lives of others. This can be a powerful motivator for maintaining recovery. Overcoming Challenges: Volunteering can help you develop resilience and problem-solving skills as you navigate the challenges of serving others. Overall, volunteering can be a valuable tool in your recovery journey. By investing your time and energy in helping others, you can reap numerous benefits that contribute to a stronger, healthier, and more fulfilling life. Return to Volunteer

Here you will find details for getting in contact with us, including emergency numbers "Staying in touch with contacts is as important as making them in the first place" - Harvey Mackay CONTACT: For general enquiries and most other matters, please use either of the following: Chandosjames1@gmail.com 07538101842 (Phone, text or request to join our Whatsapp group) For more immediate emotional support &/or emergencies, please contact: The Samaritans: 116 123 Open: 24/7 | www.samaritans.org Mind Line: 0117 203 4419 Here to listen Wednesday to Sunday, 7pm - 11pm The Survivors Trust: 0808 801 0818 Opening hours: thesurvivorstrust.org/our-helpline For Emergencies Dial: 999 Charity Emergency Contact: Name: Aaron Barnes (A.k.a. Quill) Mob: 07942 278455 Email: Aaron.barnes.2011@gmail.com N.B: James Dickinson is not always immediately available, meaning it is safer to contact Aaron Barnes in the first instance for BoT related emergencies. For other methods of contact, enquiries the community may be able to answer, or for some of the most up-to-date info, please click on the following links: backontrackchandos @backontrackchandos Alternatively, please feel to contact us by using the form below: Contact Us First name* Last name Email* Write a message* Send MAPS The Haven Land & Community Garden Wainbrook Drive, Bristol, BS57EG Boiling Wells Ampitheatre (St Werburgh´s City Farm) Boiling Wells Ln, Bristol BS2 9XY Thank you for visiting! Homepage

Privacy Policy Back on Track has adopted the following privacy policy as part of our commitment to protect any personal information which you may provide to us through this web site or by any other means. Any change to this Privacy Policy will be posted on this web site and will become effective five days after posting. Please note that this Privacy Policy does not apply to other web sites linked through this web site Personal information that you choose to provide to other web sites will be subject to the privacy policies of those web sites We will not use or disclose your personal information unless you have given your permission, except for the following purposes: To assess, operate and improve this web site and the services provided through it To keep you informed about us and our services, and about this web site If we are required to disclose such personal information by any applicable law, regulation or legal process We will not sell, trade or rent your personal information to others unless you have given your permission. With your permission, we will only share your personal information with carefully chosen, reputable and trustworthy third parties. We will follow the relevant legal requirements and use all reasonable precautions to ensure that only responsible third parties see the personal information. However, we are not responsible for any breach of security or any act or omission of third parties who receive the personal information. In addition to the use of your personal information as described above, we may also gather anonymous information, which may be used by us or shared with third parties. This is information which does not identify you, but which may be helpful for marketing purposes or for improving this web site or the services provided through it. If you have any questions or wish to have any personal information edited or deleted, please email: chandosjames1@gmail.com Return to Home

Home Contact Active Consideration The Fee Earning Arm of BoT (all proceeds go to the charity) Our offerings range from a one-hour barefoot walk-and-talk in nature with your staff to 90-minute team-building sessions, half or full-day experiences, and –5 day immersive retreats. We also provide advanced organisational consultancy rooted in trauma-informed, nature-connected practice – supporting team wellbeing, resilience and purpose-led transformation. Click to scroll down Please Note: If you struggle to navigate this page you can also find this information via the following link: Active Consideration (opens in a new tab) TIP: For a fuller view of the AC content below drag this text up until it is mostly out of view AC Blurb Return to Home