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< Back Rob Mackay Tai Chi Practioner & TMW Teacher I’ve practised tai chi for more than 30 years and now teach Tai chi Movement for Wellbeing (TMW), a unique sequence of movements and key teachings, specially developed to promote physical, psychological and emotional health and wellbeing. With origins in Tai Chi, Chi Kung and meditation, the TMW sequence distils elements of these arts into a simple series of beautiful movements, without complex forms to learn or difficult techniques to master. The TMW sequence is designed as a vehicle for people to develop a set of skills and understandings, firstly practised within the TMW movements and then gradually taken into every aspect of their lives. For example, I ask - do you sometimes feel life is out of control, and your feet never touch the ground? Yes, is the predominant answer, but through the TMW movements my students learn how to: Become grounded in their bodies: So they feel more stable and balanced. This new sense of groundedness supports them physically, helping them to release any tension in their muscles. Relax: So there’s more circulation, flow and energy in the body. This new state of being touches their mind state – helping it to release tension so they feel calmer and more centred. Be in a more natural place of easefulness: Breathing more deeply and connected to themselves in different way. Understand that while stresses in their lives haven’t changed, they have! - So now students can make decisions and take actions from this more relaxed and balanced place in themselves. For me personally tai chi and TMW have provided balance in my life through physical exercise, relaxing meditation, a deep and profound connection to the natural world and beautiful and long lasting friendships. What’s not to like!

< Back Steve England Bushcraft Consultant, Forager & Survivalist All my life I have loved the outdoors. Growing up in Bristol, my childhood was spent exploring the fields and woodlands of Stoke Park, fascinated by every tree, plant, bird & butterfly. I would regularly leave at dawn and return at dusk, bags filled with my collections and finds, my notebook scribbled and stuffed with tree cuttings and unusual findings from the parkland. I spent hours building dens, teaching myself to light fires and listening to the bird calls. I decided to continue my learning with the RHS, studying horticulture alongside teaching myself everything there was to know about the wildlife and history on my doorstep – expanding from Stoke Park into the nearby parks, greenspaces and reserves of North Bristol. My self learning expanded into all things wild foods – the fact I could forage myself a meal for free absolutely fascinated me – and continues to cover the use of nature in all its glory – for crafts, for fire, for medicine. Over 10 years ago I began teaching all that I had learned to friends, local people and my local community. To this day, I absolutely love continuing to share this knowledge with anyone who wants to benefit from it. . Whether foraging foods, learning poisonous plants, lighting fires, recognising birds, identifying bats or looking back in time at the history of North Bristol, I come alive when in front of an audience and thrive on utilising my passions to help others enhance their connection to nature. If you're interested in joining me on one of my courses – check out Upcoming Events for things you can get involved in – or get in touch to chat more: Visit Website steveenglandbristol@gmail.com

Aaron Barnes (A.k.a. Quill) BoT EMERGENCY CONTACT, Safeguarding Leader, Nominated Complaints & Suggestions Trustee Emergency Contact Details: In an emergency first dial 999 For Back on Track related urgent matters please contact: Name: Aaron Barnes (A.k.a. Quill) Mob: 07942 278455 Email: aaron.barnes.2011@gmail.com < Back

< Back Dr Jan Melichar MRCPsych MD & Consultant Psychiatrist Dr. Jan Melichar BSc, MB BS, MRCPsych, MD is our expert in house Consultant Psychiatrist. His special clinical interests include Drug and/or Alcohol Dependency, difficult to treat Anxiety and Depression, Pain Management and Detoxification. As well as working at Chandos House, he has been a Clinical Senior Lecturer in Psychopharmacology at the University of Bristol Medical School and an Honorary Consultant Psychiatrist in Substance Misuse for the AWP NHS Mental Health Trust.His research interests include Psychopharmacology (the actions of drugs and their effects on mood and behaviour), especially with regard to anxiety, depression and substance misuse. Dr Melichar has always been fascinated by research looking at the role and actions of the drugs used in psychiatry and how they can be improved. His long term interest in the biological basis of psychiatric disorders is balanced by an awareness that successful treatment requires an understanding of the whole person and that every patient is an individual, which resonates perfectly with the ethos at Chandos. Current membership(s) of professional, national and regional bodies include: Member of the Royal College of Psychiatry Member of the National Executive of the Addiction Faculty of the Royal College of Psychiatry Member of the British Association for Psychopharmacology Member of the European Chemoreception Research Organisation

< Back Richard Leonard Sacred Combat Coach ! Widget Didn’t Load Check your internet and refresh this page. If that doesn’t work, contact us.

Back on Track Mission Statement Charitable Foundation No. 1172185 O ur mission is to promote over-standing in society and alleviate unnecessary suffering for all by providing a holistic, trauma-healing framework that serves as a natural antidepressant. We offer daily activities designed to support emotional healing, personal growth, and community connection, empowering men to: Talk openly about their feelings and struggles. Become better fathers, brothers, sons, partners, friends, and neighbours. Embrace inclusivity and accessibility for all, regardless of ability or disability. Give and receive support in a safe, non-judgmental space. Grow food, care for the land and planet, and cook together. Express themselves creatively through dance, music, poetry, and art. Experience healthy touch, including physical activities like wrestling and self-defense. Set boundaries, develop resilience, and gain confidence. Engage in fitness and sport, including football, to build strength for life and service. Learn to fight so they don’t have to—developing self-discipline, protection skills, and the courage to stand up for themselves and others. Embrace vulnerability - knowing it’s okay to cry, laugh, be angry, and express emotions authentically. Make eye contact without fear - without it being about confrontation or control. Show up fully in relationships - without fear, pretense, or the need to prove anything. Feel the power of telling their raw, gutsy truth—breaking free from intergenerational shame and self-silencing. Experience a healthier template for relationships—building understanding and compassion, first for themselves, then for others. O ur vision is to bring Bristol together, dismantling social divisions and competitive hierarchies. This includes making our online presence, both website and social more accessible for everyone. We believe in unity over separation, knowing that none of us can truly heal until we all do. We encourage each individual to ask what they can contribute to a fairer, more equitable world—to be part of the solution, not the problem. We reject blame and projection, focusing instead on a single guiding principle: no harm to self or others. We acknowledge that we are all doing the best we can, walking each other home, while still striving to improve. It’s no longer just about sustainability—it’s about regeneration: giving ba ck more than we take, leaving no one behind, and not stepping over trauma survivors on our way home at night, but listening to them, including them, and standing with them. Bristol is home for many and a sanctuary for those in need. Together, with a deep breath and a change of heart, we move forward. Return to Home

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

The Six Million Dollar Overhaul of Men & Communities “ Gentlemen, we can rebuild him. We have the technology. We have the capability to make the world’s first bionic man. Better than he was before. Better… stronger… faster . ” Just like Colonel Steve Austin in The Six Million Dollar Man, many men and communities have crashed - sometimes spectacularly. Whether through trauma, isolation, or shame, they’ve hit rock bottom. But just like Austin, they are not beyond repair. At Back on Track, we offer the antidote: a complete, comprehensive overhaul of the mind, body, and spirit - a chance to rebuild, rewild, and regenerate. This isn’t about patching up wounds and sending men limping back into the world. It’s about a full-system upgrade , where strength is redefined—not as suppression or stoicism, but as openness, connection, and purpose. We take what’s been broken and transform it into something stronger than before . The Rewilding Process: From Crash to Rebirth 1. Reconstruction – We begin by creating a safe space where men can pause, breathe, and take stock. Just as Austin was rebuilt from the inside out, we help men unpack their past, face their wounds, and rediscover their power through open conversation, deep reflection, and creative expression. 2. Recalibration – True healing isn’t just about fixing what’s broken; it’s about reconnecting to what was always there. Through movement, community action, and boundary-setting, we guide men back to their natural state of strength, confidence, and resilience—without the toxic weight of shame or isolation. 3. Reactivation – Once the foundation is strong, it’s time to step back into life with renewed purpose. We equip men with the tools to show up fully, lead with compassion, and stand firm in their values—not just for themselves, but for their families, communities, and the world. Beyond Survival - Toward a Regenerative Future - Colonel Austin wasn’t just repaired—he was rebuilt for something greater. At Back on Track, we don’t just help men survive their past; we empower them to thrive in their future. This is about more than personal healing - it’s about regenerating communities, rewilding human connection, and ensuring no one is left behind. No blame. No division. Just action, understanding, and a deep breath as we move forward—together. Return to About Philosophy Return

Join others who help Back on Track to keep it's support FREE and available 52 weeks of the year. Apply to volunteer alongside us and make a difference to the lives of others Calling All Volunteers! Ready to make a difference in the lives of others - and your own? Join our team and be part of something truly meaningful. Together, we can create change, build community, and help each other thrive. Let’s do this - help us help others! 💛 Contact Us Click on image to see expanded view with further details Why Volunteer? Make a difference - Use existing skills & Qualifications - Gain new skills - Meet new people - Boost your confidence and that of others - Utilise lived experience - Grow your recovery capital What is Recovery Capital? Recovery capital is a concept that refers to the resources and strengths that an individual can draw upon to support their recovery journey from addiction or mental health challenges. Who can volunteer? Anyone and everyone is welcome to apply, providing they are over eighteen. Particular roles will require a valid DBS certificate. However, there may be other positions available that won't require one. For more details click on the image at the top of this page or to enquire please contact us today!

View Back on Track's timetable to find out more about our current weekly structure Our Current Timetable Daily Support Available, 52 weeks of the year. Trauma recovery doesn't take bank holidays, and neither do we - we're there when it's needed the most. The BoT timetable is flexible, adapting to seasonal changes, staff availability, and the evolving needs of the men we support. Our approach is that individuals should come as they are to be a part of something, not apart from it, and leave as they mean to go on. A printer friendly copy of the current timetable is available to download here (currently unavailable) 'It's about providing stability but not expecting perfection - an honest, human approach' The BoT community is a safe, judgment-free space for people working through challenges. This is what we give, but what we also expect in return: 1. Judgment-Free Zone - Open to everyone, regardless of where they are in their journey. - No shaming for slips or struggles - support comes first. 2. No Pressure to Be Perfect - Harm reduction is the focus, abstinence is the ideal. - It’s about making better choices, not perfect ones. - Acknowledge that progress looks different for everyone. 3. Supportive Environment - Peer support from people with shared experiences. - Guidance and resources to encourage positive change. 4. No Harm to Self, No Harm to Others - While the space is safe, it’s not completely unstructured - have clear boundaries and respect those of others. - Harmful or unsafe behaviour may result in being asked to leave temporarily for the safety of the group. 5. Flexible Approach - Meet people where they are - whether they’re aiming for full recovery, harm reduction or just looking for support to get through today. - Activities like meals, walks, or workshops are designed to foster connection, not for adversity - join in! NB: All locations and spaces are generously provided to us at no cost, the practitioners voluntarily give their time, and all shared meals are alternately supplied by The Scrandit and Beast Butchers . This means that every penny raised goes direct to the sufferers on the street.

CLARIFICATION (Re)Setting Boundaries for Growth Back to Philosophy Boundaries are limits and expectations that individuals set for themselves and their interactions with others to protect their sobriety and well-being. They serve as a crucial tool for self-care, healthy relationships, and overall recovery success. Substance misuse often leads to a blurring of boundaries, making it difficult to distinguish between one's own needs, the needs of others and the demands of the addiction itself. This blurred sense of self can significantly impact relationships. Acknowledging and respecting others people's boundaries demonstrates a commitment to personal growth and self-awareness, essential qualities for long-term recovery. We also encourage setting environmental boundaries, not only in an individual's personal living space but also in how they interact with their neighborhood and the natural world. This involves examining expectations and identifying areas for improvement in their environmental impact. (Re)learning how to set boundaries is crucial for addiction recovery for several reasons: Self-Protection: Addiction often involves prioritizing the substance or behavior over one's own well-being and needs. Setting boundaries helps individuals protect themselves from relapse triggers, unhealthy relationships, and situations that could jeopardize their recovery. Self-Respect: Establishing boundaries empowers individuals to assert their needs and values. This fosters self-respect and a sense of control; reclaiming one's natural state means shedding unhealthy patterns, and fostering self-reliance and resilience Healthy Relationships: Clear boundaries facilitate healthier relationships with others. They help individuals communicate their needs and expectations effectively, leading to more respectful and supportive interactions. Self-Care: Setting boundaries allows individuals to prioritize self-care activities, such as attending recovery meetings, spending time with loved ones, hobbies and engaging with the natural world. This promotes overall well-being and reduces the risk of lapses or relapse. Empowerment: Learning to set boundaries is a powerful tool for personal growth and development. It empowers individuals to take charge of their lives and make choices that align with their values and goals. Similarly, rewilding empowers nature to heal and flourish on its own terms. Future Proofing: Through telling their truth(s) individuals can implement boundaries as a tool to protect themselves from potential repetition of previous negative experiences. Truth Poem - B & Truth Page Tell Your Truth I have seen miracles happen, when people just tell the truth. Not the ‘nice’ truth. Not the truth that seeks to please or comfort. But the wild truth. The feral truth. The inconvenient truth. The tantric truth. The ‘fucking’ truth. The truth you’re afraid to tell. The horrible truth about yourself that you hide in order to ‘protect’ others. To avoid being ‘too much’. To avoid being shamed and rejected. To avoid being seen. The truth of your deepest feelings: The rage you have been concealing, controlling, pasting over. The terrors you do not want to speak. The sexual urges you’ve been trying to numb. The primal longings you cannot bear to articulate. Finally, the defences break down, and this ‘unsafe’ material emerges from deep within the unconscious. You can’t hold it back anymore. The image of the ‘good boy’ or ‘nice girl’ evaporates. The ‘perfect one’, the ‘one who has it all figured out’, the 'evolved one', these images burn. You tremble, you sweat, you come close to vomiting, you think you might die doing it, but finally you tell the fucking truth, the truth you are deeply ashamed of. Not the abstract truth. Not the ‘spiritual’ truth. Not a carefully-worded truth designed to prevent offence. Not a neatly-packaged truth. But a messy, fiery, sloppy human truth. A bloody, passionate, provocative, sensual, untamed and unvarnished mortal truth. A shaky, sticky, sweaty, vulnerable truth. The truth of how you feel. The truth that lets another person see you in the raw. The truth that makes one gasp. The truth that makes your heart pound. This is the truth that will set you free. I have seen chronic depressions and life-long anxieties lift overnight. I have seen deeply embedded traumas evaporate. I have seen fibromyalgia, migraines, chronic fatigue, unbearable back pain, bodily tension, stomach disorders, vanish, never to return. Of course, the ‘side-effects’ of truth aren’t always this dramatic! And we don’t step into our truth with a result in mind. But think of the massive amounts of energy it must take to repress our animal wildness, numb our feral nature, suppress our rage, tears and terror, uphold a false image, and pretend to be ‘okay’. Think of all the tension we hold in the body, and the damage it does to our immune systems, when we live in fear of 'coming out'. Take the risk of telling your truth. The truth you are afraid to tell. The truth you fear will make the world run. Find a safe person – a friend, a therapist, a counsellor, yourself – and let them in. Let them hold you as you break down. Let them love on you as you weep, rage, quake with fear, and generally make a mess. Tell your fucking truth to someone – it might just save your life, heal you from deep within, and connect you to humanity in ways you never imagined. Back to Philosophy