The Wellbeing Programme

Please note that normal delivery of the Wellbeing Programme has been suspended temporarily due to the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown. Referrals can still be submitted but please be aware that there is a long 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.

The Wellbeing Team have been producing weekly newsletters during the lockdown, the latest of which can be viewed here.

Wellbeing in Wiltshire

Starting in November 2019, and thanks to funding from Wiltshire Council Public Health, the Wellbeing Team will be 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 with a mini-bus pick-up and drop-off from Devizes Market Square.

The Salisbury group will run on Fridays with a mini-bus pick-up and drop-off from Salisbury train station.

The programme is open to adults (over 18s) who live in Wiltshire and who can travel to the pick-up point or site.

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 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

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

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

Funders

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

The Wiltshire Wellbeing Programme (2019-2020) is funded by Wiltshire Council Public Health.

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