The people
The Wisdom Space was founded and is run by me, Michelle. It has evolved from its early form as a Community Interest Company into a sole trader practice, allowing me to simplify the structure as I begin my PhD.
This shift has meant stepping back from a more formal volunteer and governance model, while remaining deeply grateful for the circle of facilitators and Elders who have supported and guided the work since its early days. Many of these relationships continue, now in a lighter, more flexible way.
The Wisdom Space has grown through the presence, support, and collaboration of many others who have helped shape it along the way, and it feels important to acknowledge this here. This includes the brilliant facilitators and practitioners I have had the honour of working alongside through events, gatherings, and shared offerings—some of whom are listed below.
You can read more about my story as the founder, and about the people who have walked this path with me so far, further down this page.
This is not a fixed project, but an evolving space. I warmly welcome those who wish to take part—whether through attending, volunteering, or contributing their own skills, presence, and wisdom.
Michelle Hawkins-Collins, Founder
Founder
I am a gerontologist, oral historian, wisdom researcher, former Bard of Bath, Shinrin Yoku (forest bathing) guide, and sacred storyteller.
My work explores ageing as a lifelong unfolding of meaning, depth, and becoming, and supports individuals to lead more conscious, fulfilling lives rich with purpose. Alongside this, I capture life stories as an oral historian and research eldership and wisdom.
My path into this work was shaped by years within the health and care system, where I witnessed a gap in how we support people to age well. Too often, care focuses on treating illness while overlooking the emotional, relational, and spiritual dimensions of later life. This continues to shape my commitment to spiritual wellbeing as a core part of human flourishing—from the moment we begin ageing at birth.
Alongside my academic and applied practice, I am a Bard and sacred storyteller. My Druid path with OBOD, together with five years of mystery school training so far, has deepened my relationship with story, nature, and the unseen dimensions of life, allowing me to explore the intersection of science and spirit.
Meet The Wisdom Space Facilitators!
Meet Sue Judge - Wholistic Wellbeing Expert & Ecotherapist
Sue is an incredible facilitator with an endless knowledge of all-things wholistic health and wellbeing. Her offering is quite unique, weaving together her life experience with profressional training in naturopathic nutrition, lifestyle coaching, nature connection, ecotherapy and eco depths exploration.
She co-leads Seasonal Celebrations alonsgide Michelle, hosts a monthly fire circle at The Wise Woods Project and is a Wisdom Space Elder. She is also the Wellbeing Lead for the Bath-based cancer charity, WeGetIt and co-facilitates fully funded weekly woodland wellbeing sessions at The Wise Woods Project for individuals living with or beyond cancer.
Sue’s work inspires a deeper connection with the natural world, promoting wholistic wellbeing for all. To connect with Sue, visit her website at Sue Judge Wholistic Health and follow her on Instagram @suejjudge.
Meet Sam HIckman - Art Psychotherapist
Sam is a qualified Art Psychotherapist and founder of Hope Art Therapy. She has a BA (Hons) in fine art from LASALLE College of the Arts in Singapore, is a member of the British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT) and is HCPC registered. Sam specialises in supporting adults facing a variety of challenges, including cancer, depression, and trauma.
With a warm and compassionate approach, Sam’s sessions foster deeper emotional connections through creative expression. Her sessions always gain amazing feedback include from her 6 week visual journaling course and “painting with light” workshop in the woods. More is planned under the “Nature’s Canvas series” so watch this space!
To connect with Sam, visit her website Hope Art Therapy and follow her on Instagram @Hope_Creative_Therapies
Meet Sue Brayne - Soul Astrologer
Sue is a highly respected soul astrologer with over thirty years of experience, holding a Diploma in Astrological Studies from the Faculty of Astrological Studies. Based in Bradford on Avon, Sue runs a thriving astrological practice, regularly contributing insightful articles to the Astrological Journal and presenting on various podcasts and YouTube channels.
Sue blends cosmic wisdom with captivating storytelling and has facilitated two popular eight-week beginners’ courses in astrology for The Wisdom Space, co-hosted death cafes with Sue Judge and facilitated monthly gatherings on astrology and mortality.
To connect with Sue, visit her website Celebrating the Wisdom of Astrology and subscribe to her prominent YouTube channel Celebrating Astrology.
Meet Bindi Gauntlett - Motherhood Mentor
Bindi is the founder of Guilt-Free Mum and a widely respected motherhood mentor, drawing from her extensive background as a former nurse, health visitor, and psychotherapist. She is also the author of What Do You Need? An Alternative, Compassionate, Guilt-Free Guide for Emotionally Healthy Families.
As a mother and grandmother with over 40 years experience, Bindi understands the intricacies of motherhood. She hosted our Mothers Circles and led brilliant workshops on “Calming the Chaos: Tools for Guilt-Free Parenting,” and “The Wisdom of The Human Givens approach to parenting” alongside her partner Alec. Both are Wisdom Space Elders.
To connect with Bindi, go to her LinkedIn page and follow her on facebook @bindimotherhood
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The Wisdom Space®
The Wise Woods Project, Quarry Hill, Box, SN13 0NS