Quirkshops started as a small business delivering art and craft workshops across Nottinghamshire. We soon realised that people enjoyed the experience of connecting with nature as much as the creative activity itself. Since those early days we have worked with a number of experts and partners to offer a range of experiences for people which utilise the therapeutic benefits of connecting people with nature and each other for their own wellbeing.
Now we’re a not-for-profit community interest company, working with all communities, including those living with low level mental health conditions. We offer kind, supportive, and safe spaces for people to access nature, removing barriers so that everyone in our communities can get out into their local green spaces, nurture themselves, develop their love for nature and protect it for future generations.
Meet the team
“Hi, I’m Kristina McCormick, the managing director of Quirkshops CIC. I am a Creative Wellbeing Practitioner, using creative practice and nature connection to support people’s mental health and wellbeing. Every day is different for me, making it a wonderful, inspiring juggle but I always make time to spend even just a few minutes outside every day noticing nature. I’m often found in the local park with charcoal in my hair and a smile on my face.
I started out as a marine biologist and somehow ended up in land-locked Nottinghamshire where I worked as a Public Health Manager, supporting people’s health and wellbeing for 18 years. Four years ago I decided to pursue my life-long passion for arts and crafts, gradually finding myself spending more and more time creating outside in nature. Connecting deeply with nature through creativity helps me manage my own mental health and I want to share this approach to help others.”
Kristina has expertise in creative approaches to health, mindfulness facilitation and nature connection theory. She leads the development and delivery of Green Social Prescribing Programmes with community organisations. She is a mindfulness facilitator, trained in wilderness therapy, and has a sound foundation of research knowledge in nature connectedness theory. She is a Mental Health first aider and a Dementia Friend.
“Hi I’m Sue West, a Director of Quirkshops CIC and have 30 years experience helping employers with people management. I work in a variety of sectors including charities, tourism, education, retail and financial services. I love getting outside to clear my mind or wind down at the end of the day. It’s not just about walking the dog or going for a stroll, it’s about feeling part of nature. There’s no better way for me to do that than taking a dip in our local lake – the initial ‘ooh’ is followed by a wonderful ‘aaaaaah’. It’s difficult to put into words how calming and joyful it makes me feel.”
“Hello I’m Damion McCormick, Assistant Professor of Anatomy and Physiology at the University of Nottingham and a Director of Qurikshops CIC. I often help to support students to manage the pressures of studying and family life; it can be a challenging time. Getting out into nature can help anyone manage the stresses of daily life. I like to balance my busy days teaching up to 400 nursing students with time outside to clear my head and relax, usually on my bike, cycling through the local countryside where I get to experience the sites, sounds and smells in full technicolour!”
Quirkshops 