The Wellbeing Programme

As a mental health service, the Wellbeing Programme will continue to run during the current lockdown period and sessions will continue to be delivered in line with government and public health guidelines. Group sizes have been reduced and there is a limited mini-bus service. New referrals are welcome but please be aware there is a waiting list for all of our programmes.

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.

View our latest lockdown newsletter for participants here.

Wellbeing in Wiltshire

With funding from Wiltshire Council Public Health, the Wellbeing Team is running two wellbeing groups in the county, one based in the north in Devizes, and another in the south based in Salisbury. The series of 12-week programmes will engage participants with meaningful outdoor activities such as nature conservation, wildlife walks and nature-based crafts.

The Devizes group will run on Tuesdays, and the Salisbury group on Fridays. (Note: the Salisbury programme has not resumed yet.)

The programme is open to adults (over 18s) who live in Wiltshire and who can travel to the session locations.

The Wiltshire Wellbeing Programme leaflet explains in more detail what is offered. If you are interested in applying, please download the referral form, fill it in and return to us as indicated. Please also check the referral criteria to ensure this programme is for you.

For more information on this programme, please email Melanie Vincent or phone 01380 736098.

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 two groups that meet weekly on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

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.

Wild Wellbeing

Funded by Swindon Public Health, Wild Wellbeing provides follow-on opportunities for participants who have completed the Swindon Wellbeing Programme. Participants gain practical conservation and horticulture skills, and are supported to identify and move on to longer-term nature-based volunteering roles.

"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

Abbi Kent - Project Officer for Swindon Wellbeing
Tel: 01380 796099

Melanie Vincent - Project Officer & Administrator for the Wellbeing Programmes
Tel: 01380 736098

Funders

The Wiltshire Wellbeing Programme (2019-2021) is funded by Wiltshire Council Public Health.

The Swindon Wellbeing Programme is funded by The National Lottery Community Fund.

The Wild Wellbeing Programme is funded by Swindon Borough Council Public Health.

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