This week I’ve spent several hours with bereaved clients who have decided that returning to some of the creative pursuits they engaged with as children might help them cope. Colouring, painting, photography, writing, baking, knitting and gardening have all been mentioned. And so has making marmalade.

I’m a fan of this approach to self-care whether you’re doing the work of grief, working on your mental health or grounding yourself in a topsy-turvy world.

It's Half Term in Wiltshire and for teachers and retired teachers (even those who've been called back to cover for absent colleagues) a time to lean into familiar February rituals. There’s a comfort in spending a few days doing familiar things. One of the most important features of rituals is that they do not only mark time; they create time. Time to connect, time to reflect, time to slow down and take control.

You can't beat working with others in gentle rain outside to create a garden in a field. It's the ultimate wellbeing activity and all the better when you're closing the loop, using what you have and not wasting anything. Community gardens have a long and well-researched history of supporting recovery and wellbeing. Grow for Life have been providing social and therapeutic gardening sessions for people affected by low confidence, anxiety, depression or isolation for years and in this new garden, they’re turning their attention to those navigating grief and loss.