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

Starting in July 2019, and thanks to funding from Healthwatch Wiltshire, the Wellbeing Team will be running a new project, ‘Wellbeing at the Orchard’ – an eight-session wellbeing programme based at Roundway Orchard in Devizes. Each session will engage participants with meaningful activities outdoors, such as nature conservation work, wildlife walks, wild cooking and nature-based crafts. These activities will help participants improve their mental wellbeing and give them the skills and knowledge needed to form part of an ongoing volunteering group at the orchard.

The group will run for eight sessions, on a Tuesday, to culminate in October. There will be a minibus pick-up and drop-off in Devizes market square. The programme is open to adults (over 18s) who live in Wiltshire and who can travel to the pick-up point or site.

The 'Wellbeing at the Orchard' 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.

Details of other forthcoming groups will be published here shortly.

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 National Lottery Community Fund.

The Wellbeing at the Orchard programme is funded by Healthwatch Wiltshire.

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