Step into Nature: Information for referrers

The programme

• Engages people in outdoor activities that support good mental health and promote and contribute to recovery for those experiencing mental ill-health.
   

• Is centred on small group activities that promote contact with nature:

  • Fireside arts and crafts using natural materials sourced in gardens and woodlands.

  • Woodland crafts.

  • Conservation and volunteering activities.

  • Mindfulness and nature connection activities.

  • Wildlife surveying.

  • Cooking over an open woodland fire and sharing lunch with the group.
     

• Inspires lifestyle changes that will have significant and lasting impacts on mental wellbeing through engaging people in activities that are replicable elsewhere once they have left the programme: the psychological benefits of being in nature can be experienced in any green space - local park, community green space, or domestic garden. We also introduce people to volunteering activities with other agencies.
   

• Encourages clients to clearly identify goals and aspirations.
   

• Takes place on Mondays (contact us for times) from the end of April until autumn half-term in:

  • Local nature reserves with access to toilets, car parking and a cosy shelter.

  • The Balsam Centre Wildlife gardens with access to a range of other support services.

Referral

• Can be made by any practitioner (as long as the client has a Somerset GP) through the Open Mental Health Portal. You don’t need to be an NHS practitioner to make a referral. Make sure to insert ‘Balsam Centre Step into Nature’ in the client interests / hobbies box.
   

• The programme will suit:

  • Anyone who feels low, depressed or anxious.

  • Anyone who feels stuck in negative patterns of behaviour and wants to make significant changes to their life.

  • Anyone who has suffered trauma in their life.
     

• Participants don’t need to be physically active, but there are uneven paths in our woods. There are additional health benefits from the increased activity that is often a by-product of regular visits to natural environments; simply being in nature and engaging with it in a mindful way can have a positive impact on mental wellbeing.
   

• The programme sits neatly within the emerging Green Social Prescribing network.

Evidence-based practice

There is a huge body of scientific research demonstrating that exposure to nature can significantly improve mental health and wellbeing. Robust peer-reviewed research conducted in the last 40 years shows that exposure to nature can:

• Reduce: depression, anxiety, stress, mental fatigue, high blood pressure.

• Control: anger, aggression, addiction.

• Improve: mood, sleep, cognition, creativity, immune functioning, heart & lung health. 

• Increase: longevity, energy, focus, memory.

• Reduce symptoms associated with ADHD, trauma and addiction.

• Improve quality of life for those living with Alzheimer’s and dementia.

• Enable people to find wonder and awe.