Woodlands for Health is a community-led walking project bringing people with mental health challenges together.
With a referral from their Mental Health team, they are taking active steps towards their recovery, spending time in natural woodlands settings and get the opportunity to walk and talk and feel part of a supportive group.
Amy is one of the people who has benefited from the Woodlands for Health programmes being available in her community.
“I’ve been through some difficult experiences, including severe bullying at school and at work and other traumas. My mental health has really suffered as a result.
Since I was a teenager, I tried to cope with my feelings by drinking and self-harm. After some time, it all got too much and I tried to take my own life. Thankfully, I didn’t succeed.
My Occupational therapist then recommended Woodlands for Health Walking as part of my recovery programme. Woodlands for Health Walking Groups are great because you have that to look forward to every week. You know you’re going somewhere out in the country for a bit of calmness. You can take it all in and leave your worries there.”
Woodlands for Health participants improved their mood by 75 per cent and sleep by 66 per cent and their thoughts of suicide declined by 82 per cent.
Recovery from mental health difficulties is possible – with the right support. So any new and achievable paths to recovery are vital – for our local communities, and the country as a whole.
One Woodlands for Health Programme costs €4,500.
Can we count on your support this Christmas to help us fund the cost of more local Woodlands for Health programmes next year?
Please give what you can here.
Thank you,
Jill
