Branching Out is an innovative project that offers a holistic, person-centred approach promoting ‘five ways to better mental health’. It brings together mental healthcare workers and outdoor staff, such as countryside rangers, to help people recover from long-term mental health problems. Through a 12-week programme of three hours per week of woodland activities, Branching Out teaches participants coping strategies to maintain positive mental health. It offers participants a chance to increase their self-confidence, explore new places and activities, and feel engaged with their community
This programme is free for all attendees, and is designed by the NHS and Forestry Commission (now Scottish Forestry) for people who use mental health services. For more information please visit Scottish Forestry here, our the Nature 4 Health site here, or have a look at this very informative summary document here.
Activities generally include:
- physical activity e.g. health walks and tai chi;
- conservation activities e.g. rhododendron clearance and bird box construction;
- bushcraft, e.g. fire lighting and shelter building; and
- environmental art e.g. photography and willow sculptures.
On completion of the course there’s an awards ceremony where participants receive certificates of completion and achievement (e.g. The John Muir Award where applicable), and are signposted on to community-based leisure, volunteer and training opportunities.
There are programmes starting late February 2021 (Covid restrictions dependent) in Forres, Elgin, and Keith here in Moray.
Each programme will involve one session a week for 12 weeks, running 10:00 to 13:00 each week:
- Forres Running Mondays from 22nd February 2021
- Elgin Tuesdays from 23rd February 2021
- Keith running Fridays from 26th February 2021.
If you or someone you know would like to sign up please email ruaraidh@n4h.co.uk for more details.
