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 mid-January 2019:

- Tidworth on Tuesdays, 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, 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:

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

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

Jo Woodhams - 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.

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