Mudita Salus CIC

10/11/2025

Over the past fortnight, our studio has been filled with heartfelt conversations, gentle honesty, and a real sense of togetherness as we hosted three Kind Conversations: Communicating with Care workshops with the wonderful Elia De Matteis.

Each session had its own flavour, shaped by the people in the room, the stories they brought, and the courage it takes to sit in a circle and explore how we communicate. A number of people joined us more than once, which felt like such a gift. It was a reminder that this work isn’t “one and done” - every gathering unfolds differently, and each time offers something new.

Before arriving, many shared that they were seeking things like understanding, connection, safety, clarity, inspiration, and ways to communicate with less conflict. Some weren’t sure what to expect at all, but came with an open mind.

Here are just a few of the small but meaningful insights that people have taken away to use in daily life:

• “To get out of my thoughts”
• “Being more aware of specific needs”
• “Taking responsibility for what I want”
• “That the thoughts and needs we all have underpin everything”
• “Practising making requests”
• “My needs are a gift”
• “Listening with empathy, not trying to fix”
• “Try not to shift responsibility into blame”
• “Identifying what does not serve me and letting it go”

The space itself seemed to matter too. Words like cosy, warm, safe, and supportive came up often. One person shared that simply being in the room helped them think more kindly about their mental health. Another said they left feeling renewed and inspired. And more than one person said they would have happily stayed for longer, or returned again if life allowed.

We chose to offer these workshops as donation-based / pay-what-you-feel because we want this kind of learning to be accessible. The feedback on this approach was thoughtful and encouraging. Many said they valued the model, that it opened the door for more people, and that guidance on suggested amounts could be helpful next time. The value people placed on the session ranged widely - with most selecting £21–£35 or £36–£50 ...and a few feeling it was worth even more.

We will hold all of this with care as we shape future offerings.

A heartfelt thank you to Elia, who not only held each session with such warmth and wisdom, but also continues to support attendees through small WhatsApp groups he created afterwards, a thoughtful way of weaving ongoing community into the learning.

And thank you to every person who stepped into the circle with us. Your openness, humour, honesty, and willingness to learn with strangers-turned-friends made these sessions what they were.

We hope to welcome Elia back in 2026 for more workshops, and we’re already gathering ideas from your suggestions. (Yes… we saw the request for more Fix, Create, Empower Women's DIY workshops 👀🛠️)

If you’d like to explore more of Elia’s work, you can find him here:
https://eliadematteis.com/welcome

With warmth,
Kim & Lee 🌿

10/11/2025

🌿 New Blog: What is The Men’s Cave? 🌿

We’ve just shared a new blog that gently explores the idea behind The Men’s Cave - why we created it, who it’s for, and how a simple, alcohol-free space can make a real difference to men’s wellbeing.
If you’ve ever wondered what happens at a Men’s Cave gathering, or you’re curious about joining, this blog offers a calm and honest look at what to expect.
🔗 Read it here:
https://www.muditasalus.co.uk/blog/what-is-the-mens-cave

If it speaks to you, or you know someone who might benefit, our next Men’s Cave is coming up on:
📅 Tuesday 25th November
🕡 6:30–8:30pm
You’re welcome to join us, whether it’s your first time or you’re returning.

👉 https://www.muditasalus.co.uk/events/the-mens-cave-nov
Feel free to share the blog with others who may need a gentle nudge to connect.

06/11/2025

Do you ever walk away from a conversation replaying what you said, or wishing it had gone differently?
You’re not alone.

Our Kind Conversations: Communicating with Care workshop offers a gentle, supportive space to learn how to communicate in a way that feels calmer, kinder, and more true to you. People who joined us last weekend told us they felt heard, encouraged, and left with simple tools they could use straight away.

If you’re finding communication hard right now – whether at home, with family, at work, or with loved ones – this could be a nurturing step forward.

We have a few places left on:
📅 Saturday 8th November
📅 Sunday 9th November

https://www.muditasalus.co.uk/events

If you’d like to join us, we’d love to welcome you

04/11/2025

A quick intro to our regular Nature Connection Walks.

03/11/2025

🌿 Kind Conversations: Communicating with Care 🌿
A little moment of joy from us to you…

On Sunday, we held our Kind Conversations workshop, and what a beautiful, heartfelt session it was. Seven people gathered in our cosy wellbeing studio to explore how we can speak and listen with more care, clarity, and compassion. The room felt safe, open, and full of gentle curiosity.

Here’s some of the feedback we received:

✨ "Great concept. Great way of showing us how to do things"
✨ "Elia was a fantastic guest speaker, who I could've spent hours listening to."

And when we asked, “What’s one small thing you’re taking away into daily life?” - these were some of the reflections:

💬 “To get out of my thoughts”
🤝 “Being more aware of specific needs”
🌱 “Taking responsibility for what I want”
🧡 “Support of the group”
📣 “NVC communication”
🔎 “The thoughts and needs we all have underpin everything”

It was a gentle reminder of how much we all long for kinder, clearer, more human conversations, and how possible it is to learn and practise this together.

If you missed this one, we still have a few spaces for next weekend:

📅 Sat 8th Nov | 2–5pm
📅 Sun 9th Nov | 10am–1pm
📍 Winscombe
💚 Donation-based (no one turned away due to lack of funds)

👉 Book here: https://www.muditasalus.co.uk/events

Come as you are. Leave with something that supports you.
One conversation can shift so much. 🌿💬💛

01/11/2025

🌿 Did you know that a recent global study found the UK ranks 55th out of 61 countries for nature-connectedness?
The Guardian - https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/nov/01/britain-one-of-least-nature-connected-nations-in-world-with-nepal-the-most?CMP=share_btn_url

It’s a sobering reminder how modern life, screens, fast pace, urban living, can distance us from the very world that supports our wellbeing.

At Mudita Salus CIC we believe there’s a different way. Our Connect3 walks re-kindle our relationship with nature, ourselves, and each other.

We weave in mindful noticing, shared moments, and simple activities that help people feel connected again; not just by walking through nature, but by being with it, and by being present.

👉 If you’re looking for a free, small-group, friendly outdoor session where you’re genuinely welcome (usually 6-8 people), come join us. Together we shape a deeper sense of belonging to the living world.

Find upcoming walks here: muditasalus.co.uk/connect3

Others languishing near bottom of 61-country study include Canada, Germany, Israel, Japan and Spain

28/10/2025

Tonight was the second Men's Cave, attended by 4 (+ me!) lovely men who held space and listened to each other. I feel honoured to offer this space for others and hear everyones unique life stories, reflections and support.
Looking forward to hosting the November edition 🙏
Lee

27/10/2025

Wow 🤩 What an incredible day for our extended Connect3 Wellbeing Walk today. Starting in a blustery Clevedon and finishing in a much calmer Portishead. The weather was kind.

We focused on the Nature Connectedness theme of emotion. An early unexpected detour certainly had us feeling all kinds of emotions but fortunately still motivated and determined.

We enjoyed a much needed lunch pit stop on Black Nore beach, before our final few miles to Portishead Lake Grounds.

The main group walked approx 8.5 miles whilst we (Lee & Kim) did over 10 miles (due to where we parked our car).

26/10/2025

🌿 Kind Conversations: Communicating with Care

We’re so pleased to be hosting Kind Conversations: Communicating with Care, a chance to join a workshop with Elia De Matteis, an experienced mediator and facilitator who has shared his work with communities across the world.

Elia teaches ways of listening and speaking that build understanding, empathy, and connection, skills that can transform how we relate to others, whether at home, at work, or in our wider community. His approach is rooted in Nonviolent Communication (NVC), helping us communicate with compassion even when emotions run high.

Both Kim and Lee have trained with Elia, and his guidance has deeply influenced their work and relationships. It’s a genuine honour to welcome him to Mudita Salus.

This is a donation-based workshop, you’re welcome to contribute whatever you can (even £1), and no one will ever be turned away for lack of funds.

📅 Dates: 1st, 2nd, 8th & 9th November
👉 www.muditasalus.co.uk/events

Spaces are limited, so if this speaks to you, we warmly invite you to join us.