Altar Of Earth

25/09/2025

Altar Of Earth is proud to announce the appointment of Debbie Bosworth to its Advisory Board.

Debbie is a Nurse, Genomist, and Therapist with a special focus on genetics, nervous system regulation, and trauma-informed practice. Her approach is rooted in compassionate awareness and the integration of science, somatic experience, and lived insight, offering clients a safe and grounded space to restore health and reclaim resilience.

Across her career, Debbie has worked with leaders, founders, and individuals navigating burnout, anxiety, addiction, and chronic health challenges. Her clinical background in nursing, combined with her expertise in DNA testing, kinesiology, and craniosacral therapy, has given her a rare ability to connect biological blind spots with the emotional and physical realities her clients face.

Before founding The Light Clinik, Debbie built a successful career in medical sales and later overcame her own health collapse, where years of high performance took its toll. It was through DNA testing, nervous system regulation, and values-based healing that she rebuilt her health and uncovered the foundations of her practice today.

Debbie’s professional expertise and personal journey bring important depth to Altar Of Earth’s mission. Her perspective will be instrumental as we continue to expand innovative, trauma-informed programmes that sit at the intersection of science and soul.

We are honored to welcome Debbie Bosworth to our Advisory Board.

02/09/2025

Altar Of Earth is proud to announce the appointment of Sandra Stein to its Board of Directors.

Sandra is a Gestalt Humanistic Integrative Counsellor with a special focus on trauma-informed practice. Her therapeutic approach is rooted in compassionate awareness and the integration of emotional, mental, and somatic experiences, offering clients a safe and grounded space for healing and growth.

Throughout her career, Sandra has worked extensively with individuals navigating trauma, addiction, and systemic oppression. Her experience as part of an addiction clinic team provided invaluable insight into the complex relationship between trauma and substance use, shaping her relational and non-judgmental approach to supporting others.

Before qualifying as a counsellor, Sandra mentored survivors of human trafficking and served as a web translator for an international NGO that raised global awareness of the impact of drug cultivation on vulnerable communities, including forced labor and child exploitation, as well as the broader societal consequences of drug use. These experiences deepened her understanding of the socio-political dimensions of trauma and the resilience of the human spirit.

Sandra’s professional expertise and humanitarian background bring important depth to Altar Of Earth’s mission. Her perspective will be instrumental as we continue to expand our trauma-informed programs for veterans, first responders, and communities affected by adversity.

We are honored to welcome Sandra Stein to our Board of Directors.

01/09/2025

Altar Of Earth is pleased to announce the appointment of Kevin Hyer, Esq. to its Advisory Board.

Mr. Hyer is a management-side labor and employment attorney based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and a respected leader in long-term recovery. He serves as Chief Executive Officer of The Hyer Calling Foundation (THCF), a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing the stigma of Substance Use Disorder in the workplace. THCF provides no-cost, individualized support services not covered by insurance, assisting highly motivated individuals in recovery to re-enter the workforce and build sustainable careers.

In addition to his leadership at THCF, Mr. Hyer advises and educates employers on the legal and business advantages of creating recovery-friendly workplaces. He currently serves as Board Counsel to Faces & Voices of Recovery in Washington, D.C., and as a member of the Florida Recovery-Friendly Workplace Coalition.

Mr. Hyer’s legal expertise, nonprofit leadership, and personal commitment to recovery bring valuable perspective to Altar Of Earth’s mission of advancing trauma-informed healing and resilience. His guidance will further strengthen our capacity to support veterans, first responders, and community members in their recovery and reintegration journeys.

We are honored to welcome Mr. Hyer to our Advisory Board.

20/08/2025

We are deeply grateful to be collaborating with Su***de Prevention Scotland helping to share a message that is both simple and profound:

A conversation can save a life.

So often, when someone is in pain, the greatest fear we carry is that we might say the wrong thing that our words might make things worse, or that our concern might be misplaced. Yet the truth, as research and human experience both affirm, is that silence isolates, while connection heals.

Dr. Gabor Maté reminds us again and again that at the root of so much suffering is disconnection from ourselves, from others, from community. What begins to restore us is not perfection, but presence. A willingness to be real, to listen, to sit with another person in their struggle without needing to fix or control the outcome.

When we speak about su***de openly, with care and honesty, we are breaking the silence that shame thrives in. We are saying to another human being: You are not alone. Your pain matters. You matter.

This collaboration is about more than awareness. It is about remembering that healing begins with human connection, and that even the smallest act of courage a conversation can be the turning point between despair and hope.

Talking about su***de does not create it. Talking about su***de helps prevent it.

We are honoured to help carry this message forward.

Learn more at 👉 Su***dePrevention.scot

14/08/2025

Our thoughts are with family and friends of Stephen 🙏

It is with the deepest sorrow that 1st Bn The Royal Welsh must confirm the tragic loss of Cpl Stephen Hughes, 25. He was a much loved member of Mortar Platoon and his loss has been deeply felt within the Battalion and wider Regimental family.

Hailing from North Wales, he joined the Army in 2017, starting his career as a Junior Soldier at the Army Foundation College (Harrogate). After completing training at the Infantry Training Centre (Catterick), Stephen joined C Coy, 1 R WELSH as a Rifleman in December 2018.

His tenure with a Rifle Coy was short, moving to Delta (FSp) Coy in 2019, where Stephen joined the Mortar Platoon. He swiftly established himself as a dedicated member of the platoon, embodying the ethos, and developing a passion for the specialist capability.

Promotion came quickly due to his clear leadership potential, and willingness to learn. Stephen delivered strong performances on the Junior Non-Commissioned Officer, and Mortar Standards (Bravos) courses, rapidly gaining the rank of Cpl. In his eight years of service he deployed on numerous occasions, notably Op CABRIT 10, a six-month deployment to Estonia, and most recently Ex KRONOS WARRIOR in Cyprus. He was an excellent instructor, approachable and always offering help to others. Stephen was selfless, putting the platoon’s and his peers’ needs ahead of his own, always volunteering to lead tasks for the collective benefit. He was due to attend Mortar Advanced in the coming 12-months, enabling him to deploy on Op CABRIT 18 delivering a SNCO’s outputs, and would have no doubt been brilliant.

Unfortunately, this competency didn’t translate to his choice in buying and maintaining cars. Renowned for his garish choice of a completely unreliable and unpredictable Porsche Boxster which was often seen taking up valuable car parking space in Lucknow Barracks, usually to the dismay of the Officers’ Mess and conversely to Stephen’s delight. Random large parts of said Porsche were usually to be found in the flat Kitchen or drying rooms, which he took great amusement storing them in, particularly when tripped over, or found prior to an inspection.

Stephen was competitive, whether it was racing Motorbikes on his PlayStation, or making wagers with his friends for ridiculous tattoos. He was also well known for setting up a Facebook group ‘Lads Advice’ to help young men all over the UK seek and give advice on anything that they needed help with; highly successful because of his effort and highlighting his kind nature.

These small anecdotes are just a snippet of what Stephen was like, a funny, kind-hearted and warm individual. Liked by all, approachable, and fiercely loyal to his fellow Mortarmen and everyone he came across, and who lived and breathed Wales Forever. His loss is immediately felt by all, both personally and professionally.

06/08/2025

Our very first fundraiser on Scottish soil is just around the corner Cowboy Up for Courage!

Join us on December 13th at 7 PM at Maggie’s Rock n Roll Rodeo in Glasgow for an unforgettable Wild West evening. This isn’t just any night out it’s a chance to kick back, dance, and have a blast while supporting The Antlered Path, our su***de prevention program inspired by the healing work of Gabor Maté.

Whether you’re looking for a unique work night out this Christmas season or just want to enjoy great live music, good company, and some unexpected surprises, this is the place to be.

Tickets are now on sale! Grab yours via the link below and help us raise hope for those living with trauma and mental health challenges.

Dust off your cowboy boots, round up your friends, and get ready for a night of courage, community, and celebration. See you there!

Saddle up and join us for an unforgettable Wild West night filled with community, connection, and purpose all in support of a life-saving cause. Hosted by Altar of Earth , this special event is more than just boots, buckles, and a good time. It’s a chance to stand together for those navigating the

06/08/2025

06/08/2025

Altar of Earth is currently seeking outdoor spaces across Scotland and beyond to construct Cretan-style labyrinths ancient, meditative walking paths designed for reflection, regulation, and emotional wellbeing.

These labyrinths are an integral part of our trauma-informed healing programmes supporting veterans, first responders, and individuals navigating PTSD, grief, and life transitions. Used as a somatic and spiritual tool, the labyrinth walk offers participants a grounded way to reconnect with the body, regulate the nervous system, and access deeper self-awareness.

🔎 We are looking for landowners, wellness centres, businesses, farms, and public space managers who may have space to host a permanent labyrinth installation.

What We’re Proposing:

• You gain a beautiful, sacred feature for your site, accessible year-round for your own clients, guests, or community.

• We request occasional access (by agreement) to use the labyrinth for Altar of Earth’s trauma recovery programmes, retreats, and workshops.

• We handle the design, creation, and installation of the labyrinth in collaboration with you.

Labyrinths bring long-term benefit to any location supporting mindfulness, community engagement, ecological art, and holistic wellbeing. Whether you manage a rural property, community garden, retreat space, or wellness venue, this could be a meaningful and lasting contribution to the landscape.

📩 If you’re open to a conversation, or know someone who might be, please contact us!

05/08/2025

Our very first fundraiser on Scottish soil is just around the corner Cowboy Up for Courage!

This special evening is dedicated to supporting The Antlered Path, our su***de prevention program designed to walk alongside people from all walks of life who carry the invisible wounds of PTSD. Inspired by the compassionate and holistic approach of Gabor Maté, we understand that trauma lies at the root of much suffering. Healing begins when we create safe spaces for connection, empathy, and hope.

If you’re searching for the perfect work night out this Christmas season, look no further! Cowboy Up for Courage offers a unique chance to unwind, dance, and have fun in a lively Wild West setting all while making a real difference by supporting those struggling with trauma and mental health challenges.

The event takes place on December 13th at 7 PM at Maggie’s Rock n Roll Rodeo in the heart of Glasgow city centre. Expect an evening filled with fantastic live music, dancing, and some exciting surprises that will keep your spirits high.

So dust off your best cowboy boots, grab your friends and colleagues, and join us for a night of courage, community, and celebration. Together, we can raise hope and help save lives.

***dePrevention

04/08/2025

Stories like Ross’ remind us of something we often forget in this fast, distracted world:

Listening can save a life.

Not with solutions. Not with advice. Just with presence. Just by holding space for the truth of someone’s pain without needing to change it or fix it.

Su***de doesn’t come out of nowhere. It grows quietly in the shadows of silence, disconnection, and shame. What interrupts it isn’t always a crisis team or a hospital stay sometimes, it’s a single friend who says:

“I’m here. Talk to me. I can hold this with you.”

At Altar of Earth, we created The Antlered Path for this exact reason. It’s a healing journey back into relationship with self, with others, with nature, and with the parts of us that carry unbearable pain. We walk through forests. We sit around fire. We practice listening to each other, to our bodies, to the quiet inner voice that still wants to live.

💬 Talking about su***de is uncomfortable.
But not talking is more dangerous. We don’t need to have all the answers we just need the courage to stay close to someone who’s hurting.

Like Megan did for Ross.

If you’re hurting, or someone you love is, know this: You are not alone. There is still a path forward and someone is ready to walk it with you.

***dePrevention

The importance of listening to a friend 👇

Ross made a plan to die by su***de in 2017.

Had it not been for his friend Megan taking time to listen to his thoughts and feelings, he may have never recovered.

Read Ross' letter to Megan, link in the comments.

04/08/2025

Here at Altar of Earth, our healing work is deeply influenced by the compassionate wisdom of Dr. Gabor Maté. His core insight that the attempt to escape from pain is what creates more pain resonates throughout everything we do.

In a world that often teaches us to numb, suppress, or run from our wounds, we choose a different path. This path welcomes pain as a messenger. It asks not, “What’s wrong with you?” but “What happened to you?” and “What is your pain trying to say?”

Dr. Maté reminds us that trauma isn’t what happens to us, but what happens inside us as a result. Avoiding that inner pain can lead to a lifetime of disconnection, anxiety, addiction, or illness. By slowing down and turning toward our suffering with curiosity and compassion, healing becomes possible.

Our programs from nature-based retreats and equine therapy to creative expression workshops and mindfulness education are all built around this truth: we cannot heal what we will not feel.

We offer a safe, trauma-informed space where people can face their pain not alone, but in community. With skilled guidance, we explore the roots of trauma, reconnect with the body, and gently reawaken the inner wisdom that knows how to heal.

Pain is not the enemy. It’s a signal. At Altar of Earth, we honor that signal. This is how we begin to walk toward wholeness.

For more information, link in bio 👆

29/07/2025

Our thoughts are with Harry's family and friends at this time. 🕯️🙏

Sad news today with the MoD confirming the death of 19 year old Private (Pte) Harry Johnson of the 2nd Infantry Training Battalion on 24th July 2025, who passed away following a physical training session at Vimy Barracks, Catterick. RIP 🫡