Summary
Nature Walks for Wellbeing are 90 minute sessions that use nature walks to provide mindful nature-based therapy to those suffering from mental illness. Participants meet at a pre-determined location, with a different leader each week to provide varied activities.
Introduction to the activity and delivery organisation
The walks are delivered by Nature 4 Health, a Highland Based charity that aims to help people connect with nature, each other and themselves, experiencing the mindful benefits of green and blue space and the fascinating species we share the planet with. The sessions emphasise experience and benefiting from nature. Art, storytelling, poetry, nature tracking and wildlife watching may form part of the session and mindfulness activities are a regular focus. After the activities, the group have tea and a flapjack and the chance to chat together outdoors.
User / client group
Some participants are patients at New Craigs hospital and attend with an Occupational Therapist. The programme also targets NHS groups and wider community individuals through associations such as HUG Action for Mental Health and Highland Third Sector Interface.
Location
Across Highland and Moray.
Outcomes
Participants said:
“It’s better than going to a gym, walking with the group is a good place to start. I feel better mentally, physically and socially.”
“I feel refreshed on a Thursday. I look forward to [NWW] and it makes me cope with the weekend better.”
“I think [Nature Walks for Wellbeing] are excellent! It makes sure a difference from sitting doing nothing to actually feeling positive, getting some exercise and meeting others in the same situation.”
Health Practitioners said:
“Leaving the psychiatric facility behind and entering into a greenspace created a new relationship dynamic between patient and hospital staff. ‘White coat syndrome’ was perhaps left behind and communication and understanding increased”.
Catriona’s Story
During a difficult time in her life, Catriona felt low and confused. Time spent in nature helped her feel refreshed and more positive. Now, Catriona volunteers on Nature Walks for Wellbeing to help others. Catriona was an inpatient in New Craigs Hospital when she joined Nature Walks for Wellbeing in 2014. At the time, due to changes in medication, she felt down and was restricted in the time she could spend out from the ward:
“The first time I came to Nature Walks for Wellbeing I was really ill. I was on a lot of medication, I was feeling very fuzzy, and I wasn’t actually allowed out of the hospital on my own, so I was feeling really down.”
After joining the programme, Catriona began to feel the benefits of spending time outdoors in an ever-changing environment:
“The fresh air and the group, what a difference it made for me! The fresh air and the exercise and mindfulness has a really refreshing effect. I feel like I’m coming alive again by being out.”
Future plans / next steps
Nature 4 Health have expanded their services across the region are are now also delivering the Forestry and Land Scotland Branching out Programme. During the COVID19 Pandemic they moved their Nature Walks to Virtual walks delivered through Zoom.
More information
Stephen Wiseman E-mail: Stephen@n4h.co.uk Website: www.n4h.co.uk