Core Values & Principles

Person centered approach

Flourish: Health and Wellbeing in Nature operates as a Person-centred practice. This enables us to put the individual person at the centre of everything we do. At Flourish: Health and Wellbeing in Nature, we plan with every individual person to find the service that meets their own individual needs. We respect their needs and preferences and the knowledge they bring about their own health and wellbeing. We take a strengths-based approach, acknowledging an individual’s own strengths, abilities and needs, we value every individual person’s unique perspective, and their autonomy is respected.

Diversity, Respect and Dignity

We celebrate diversity and an individual’s right to expression regardless of sex, race, religion, age or ability. We aim to create a safe, supportive and judgment free environment which celebrates an individual’s own culture, values, and beliefs. We welcome members of the LGBTQI+ Community.

At Flourish: Health and Wellbeing in Nature, we are committed to upholding the Human rights of every individual. We believe that everyone should be treated with dignity, fairness, equality, respect, and independence.

Privacy and Confidentiality

At Flourish: Health and Wellbeing in Nature, we are committed to maintaining and respecting an individual’s confidentiality.
Every precaution is taken is taken to maintain and protect an individual’s confidentiality whilst in the outdoors. This may mean certain places are not appropriate to visit or are avoided during peak times. We collect, store and protect Health and Sensitive information in accordance with The Australian Privacy Principles (or APPs) and are bound by the Privacy Act.

Accessibility

Flourish: Health and Wellbeing in Nature is committed to providing a service that is accessible to all. We acknowledge and respect the challenges that can occur when physical access is limited. We strive to provide a service that can meet the accessibility needs of all individuals. At Flourish we believe that the Outdoors belongs to everyone regardless of race, gender, age, fitness, size, or ability.

We believe access to Mental health services should be accessible for all, regardless of financial situations, therefore we provide discounted rates for Students, and those on Health and Concession cards.

Sustainability

Creativity and Connection

Flourish: Health and Wellbeing in Nature practices the Leave no trace principals (Found here: https://www.lnt.org.au/), these principles will be mentioned for each activity for Flourish: Health and Wellbeing in Nature. For every program Flourish: health and Wellbeing in Nature staff will uphold these principles and endeavor to educate participants on their importance.
At Flourish: Health and Wellbeing in Nature we strive to use Recycled Materials wherever possible and to limit the use of printing and paper-based products. We use ethically obtained natural objects in group sessions and recycle products as much as possible.

At Flourish: Health and Wellbeing in Nature we recognise the importance of Creativity and the role it has in building Connections. Creativity is an important tool for self-expression, problem-solving, critical thinking, and processing emotions. Building connection to self, others and the environment is a vital component to assist in improving wellbeing.

Holistic Wellbeing

Holistic Wellbeing is an integrated approach to healthcare which recognizes “whole person” rather than separating the mind and body. Holistic Wellbeing is about self- empowerment and seeing the person as the expert in their own lives. Holistic health encompasses the following eight dimensions of wellness: physical, emotional, spiritual, financial, occupational, social, environmental, intellectual.

Embracing Indigenous Culture and Philosophies

Flourish: Health and wellbeing in Nature, respects and acknowledges the importance of indigenous Culture. The Values and Beliefs of Indigenous philosophies underpin the work that Flourish: Health and Wellbeing in Nature undertakes. It embraces the idea of “Kanyini”; everything is connected, and its four principals Ngura: A sense of belonging to Land, Walytja family connecting to life, Kurunpa spirit or soul, Tjuukurpa: The belief about creation and the right way to live.
We respect and honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the unique connection they have to the land.

Evidence Based Practices

At Flourish: Health and Wellbeing in Nature we use an evidence-based approach to practice. Evidence -Based approach means we use frameworks and treatment modalities that are proven with research and scientific evidence. Evidence based Practice enables us to improve treatment outcomes for individuals and groups.

Commitment to Professional Development

We are committed to undergoing regular professional development to stay up to date with advances in the field. Flourish: Health and Wellbeing Staff are registered members of the following associations: Australian Association of Social Work (AASW), International Institute of Complementary Therapies (IICT) and Australian Association for Bush Adventure Therapy (aabat)