The Wellbeing Programme

The Wellbeing Programme provides nature-based activities for people struggling with mental health issues like anxiety, depression, low mood and stress. Participants get involved in conservation work, wildlife walks and nature-based crafts. Research shows that this type of outdoor activity can be beneficial to both mental and physical wellbeing.

Wellbeing in Wiltshire

The programme in Wiltshire has been running since 2008 with funding from Wiltshire Council Public Health. From April 2018, a series of eight-week programmes will be available at various locations across the county.

The Wiltshire Wellbeing Through Nature leaflet explains in more detail what will be offered on these programmes, and the locations and dates will be published soon on this page.

If you are interested in joining the programme please read the Referral Criteria, and if you would like to apply, please download the Referral Form and Participant Agreement Form; fill in and sign these forms and return to us as indicated.

Programmes running from last week in January 2019:

- Tidworth on Tuesdays, starting on Tuesday 29th January, with a pick-up and drop-off from Devizes market square and Tidworth (pick-up point TBC). (For Tidworth, see details below)
- Calne on Fridays, starting on Friday 1st February, with a pick-up and drop-off from Calne (Lansdowne Hotel) and Devizes market square.

Tidworth Wellbeing

The programme in Tidworth is funded by the Tidworth Community Area Board and is open primarily to people who live, or access services, in Tidworth. If you are interested in joining the programme, please read the information leaflet and referral criteria for more details. If you'd like to apply, please fill in the referral form and participant form and return to us, at the address listed on the forms.

Wellbeing in Swindon

The programme in Swindon started running in 2017 thanks to funding from the Big Lottery Fund. The programme provides nature-based activities for people struggling with their mental health, and in particular seeks to reach out to those in the veteran, ex-offender and ethnic minority communities.

There are three groups that meet weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, with a pick-up from Swindon train station.

The Swindon Wellbeing leaflet explains in more detail what is offered in this programme. If you are interested in applying, please download the Swindon Referral Form, fill it in and return to us as indicated.

If you would like to discuss joining the Wellbeing Programme, feel free to give us a call for a confidential chat on 01380 736098, or send us an email to Wiltshire Wellbeing or Swindon Wellbeing.

"The programme has changed my life. I would definitely recommend it as the benefits of being out with other people with supportive and understanding staff are huge." Owen, Volunteer Support Assistant.

"The Wellbeing Programme was a critical 'stepping stone' for me to be able to stand on my own two feet again... I am genuinely eternally grateful for the programme, and all of the benefits that I've gained from being a part of it." Elle, Participant.

"It's better than any form of medication. It's not possible to put a monetary value on the work Wiltshire Wildlife Trust does." Rachel, Participant.

Wellbeing Staff:

Jo Woodhams - Wellbeing Programmes Leader
Tel: 01380 796099

Chelsie Phillips - Project Officer for Wiltshire and Swindon Wellbeing
Tel: 01380 736099

Nick Self - Project Officer for Wiltshire and Swindon Wellbeing
Tel: 01380 829051

Keeley Hampton - Project Officer for Swindon Wellbeing
Tel: 01380 796099

Melanie Vincent - Project Support & Administrator for the Wellbeing Programme
Tel: 01380 736098

Watch Nick Self, Wellbeing Programme staff member, show you the work his team have been doing at Devizes and Roundway Orchard.

Funders

The Swindon Wellbeing Programme is funded by the Big Lottery Fund.

Wiltshire Council logo The Wiltshire Wellbeing Programme is funded by Wiltshire Council Public Health.

Latest

War to Wildlife

Step back in time and take a guided walk with volunteer reserve warden and RAF Blakehill Farm historian, Vince Povey.
Walking Artist

Jane Launchbury an experienced artist and illustrator will lead a walking artist workshop.
Book Binding

Under the expert guidance of Trae Watts, you will create two simple albums.
Basket Weaving

This one day course will show you how to weave a round potato molly basket

Wild Landscapes

The newest project at Wiltshire Wildlife Trust. Wild Landscapes, creating green spaces for wildlife and people.
Water Team

The Water Team manages our river and wetland work outside of our nature reserves. From advisory visits, through to the design and delivery of technical restoration projects, our team is successfully working to improve our freshwater environment for both wildlife and people throughout the county. Our work not only directly benefits our native wildlife by improving habitats but also delivers benefits for flood management, water quality and public access to the river.
Lakeside Care Farm

Lakeside Care Farm is recognised as a thriving and effective setting that offers children, young people and adults with individual needs, the opportunity for meaningful education and work-based experiences in nature conservation, farming, horticulture and Forest School activities.
Recycle for Wiltshire Joint Venture

Part of Wiltshire Wildlife Trust’s mission is to inspire residents to adopt more sustainable lifestyles. Reducing our rubbish and recycling more helps conserve valuable resources, saves energy and reduces landfill which all helps to protect the environment. For over 10 years the Waste Team at the Trust has been working in partnership with Wiltshire Council to support households throughout the county to reduce, reuse, recycle and compost their household rubbish.
Building Bridges

The Building Bridges programme supports people across Swindon and Wiltshire who have challenges, helping them to develop skills, access to education or move towards work.
Milestones

The Milestones project aims to connect vulnerable and marginalised young people aged 11-24 to their local, natural environment by offering opportunities to participate in practical activities and widen their knowledge and appreciation of local green spaces and nature reserves.
Wild Connections

Wild Connections aimed to enable people of all ages from a variety of different backgrounds to enjoy, connect with, learn about, and care for nature and their local natural heritage. This project was funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and other generous donors.