Side by Side Together
Community Interest Company
What we offer.
We are Side by Side Together and we offer a range of mindful outdoor sessions designed for children aged 3–12 years old.
Each session blends elements of Forest Bathing, Mindfulness, Breathwork, Grounding and Barefoot practices, and Yoga, all designed to support emotional regulation, confidence, and connection with the natural world.
Our Vision
Our vision is to create a peaceful, nurturing space in West Lothian where children and families can reconnect with nature, find calm, and build resilience.
Through yoga, forest bathing, grounding practices, and nature-based activities, we offer gentle opportunities to slow down, breathe deeply, and grow together.
We also bring moments of calm and connection into schools, helping children experience mindfulness and nature-inspired wellbeing in their everyday learning.
With your support, we hope to create a dedicated outdoor sanctuary — a place for the next generation to thrive in harmony with nature.
Our Services
Each child is supported as a unique individual through offering opportunities that encourage barefoot exploration, mindfulness moments, and a deep connection with the natural world. By following their lead and honouring their pace, we create a warm, nurturing space where they can experience all we offer in a way that is natural and joyful, and truly their own. These sessions can be offered to individuals or small groups.
Our family sessions offer a special space for families to come together, slow down and explore their techniques side by side through shared mindfulness moments, barefoot exploration and nature-based activities. We support families in connecting more deeply with each other and the world around them. These gentle guided sessions create meaningful shared experiences that can be carried into everyday life.
Our group sessions cater for a max 15 children. They will be guided through mindful moments including forest bathing experiences, breathing exercises, barefoot and grounding techniques, and simple yoga positions. Sessions are one hour long and children are encouraged to slow down and disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature during this time.
Our school sessions offer children a calm, nurturing space to slow down, reconnect, and explore the natural world through mindful, outdoor experiences., with opportunities for barefoot grounding, gentle movement, breathing exercises, forest bathing, and nature-based play. We work closely with schools to tailor each programme to the needs of the children, with staff able to select pupils who would benefit most from our session, parents are also able to request a referral. During our sessions, children are gently taught how to use simple techniques that can be used throughout their school day when challenges arise, helping them to feel more grounded, calm, and supported.
The Founders
🌱 Meet Vonny & Sheryl
We are cousins who are both passionate early years practitioners. We believe that nature has a powerful role to play in children’s wellbeing and learning.
We have created Side by Side Together CIC as a nurturing space for children and families to experience mindful, nature-led sessions that support emotional growth, resilience, and joy.
Having worked in the education system, and saw first hand the challenges being faced every day. We believe it is time to do something a bit different!
A little bit about us…
My name is Sheryl, and I’m a mum of four. My journey into early education began later in life, when I returned to college to gain qualifications in Early Education and Childcare.
Lockdown and personal experiences during that time showed me the profound impact that nature can have on emotional wellbeing — for both adults and children. Daily walks in our local woods became our therapy.
Through my studies, I discovered how few children regularly access natural environments and how crucial these experiences are. I’m passionate about creating spaces where children can breathe, move, and explore in a way that supports their whole selves.
Together, we bring our experiences, warmth, and shared love of the outdoors to create Side by Side Together — a mindful learning environment for children and families.
Hi, I’m Yvonne (Vonny). I live in East Calder with my husband and two grown up children. I began my journey in childcare at age 16, volunteering with local children’s groups before gaining my NC and HNC in Childcare and Education. Over 20 years later, my passion for supporting children has only deepened.
I’ve worked across various settings including private nurseries and local authority schools and nurseries, most recently as an Early Years officer in West Lothian. During this time, I’ve focused on creating a learning environments that prioritises real, sensory-rich experiences over “plastic fantastic” play.
I believe children thrive when they’re connected to nature, and the outdoors is so healing for us all. I’m dedicated to offering spaces where Children can explore, learn, and simply be. At a time when the world is so fast paced, I feel learning to stop and take a moment is crucial.
Every child deserves the chance to feel calm, confident, and connected — but too many are struggling with anxiety, stress, and disconnection from nature. At Side by Side, we’re creating safe, nurturing outdoor spaces where children can breathe, explore, and grow. With your support, we can reach more families, train more practitioners, and make our sessions accessible to those who need them most. Every donation, big or small, helps us plant the seeds of resilience and hope for future generations.
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What we offer
Grounding Gallery
Peaceful moments
Breathing Techniques
River Energy
Yoga
Connecting To Nature
Open Hearts
Grounding Moments
Mindful Ripples
Rest and Read
Forest Friends
Quiet
Curiosity
Reflection Time
Testimonials
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Contact Us
If you would like more information on our sessions, or you are interested in working together with us, please leave your details and we will be in touch shortly.
We can’t wait to hear from you!