Thanks to an unusual partnership between NHS Forth Valley and Scottish Canals, mental health patients have been able to enjoy a range of activities including yoga in the woods, a canal bird walk, building a mini beast hotel and a boat trip.
The Catalyst for Change pilot is being funded through The Queen’s Nursing Institute for Scotland (QNIS) and enables nurses to involve groups or communities considered excluded or marginalised. It is also seen as a way of reducing inequalities in health and wellbeing.
Aileen Schofield, Senior Health Promotion Officer, NHS Forth Valley, explained: “Nature Walks for Wellbeing aim to benefit health by encouraging people to be more active and improve their knowledge of local history. Two participants from the first block have asked to come back for the second series of ten outings and we anticipate that learning from the QNIS pilot will help us with applications for external funding from other potential partners to allow us to work with a broader range of participants”.
Nature Walks for Wellbeing is based around the Falkirk Wheel and surrounding canal area. Fifteen people and patients attend weekly, accompanied by local NHS staff. The second block is due to start shortly and representatives from the seven projects selected across Scotland will be meeting to exchange views and feedback.
For further information call Aileen Schofield on 01324 673523 or email aschofield@nhs.net
