In partnership with NHS Forth Valley, Scottish Waterways Trust has launched a new pilot programme to offer outdoor nature therapy to adults in Falkirk, along the town’s canals and surrounding greenspace.

Nature Walks for Wellbeing, funded by The Queen’s Nursing Institute Scotland, is a programme of green exercise, health walks and nature-based therapy activities aimed at helping adults in Falkirk who are living with poor mental health, and may be experiencing exclusion and isolation.

The 2 10 week-long pilot programmes aim to improve community health and wellbeing through a vibrant range of activities, including sensory explorations, mindful discovery, natural history learning, and outdoor physical activities such as yoga.

Participants, who are referred onto the programme through the Woodlands Resource Centre in Falkirk Community Hospital, will also get to try new experiences and learn new skills.

Led by NHS clinical staff and a Community Engagement Officer from Scottish Waterways Trust, Nature Walks for Wellbeing are delivered in 90 minute sessions which enhance mood and self-esteem, and provide a wide range of physical and mental health benefits, along with reducing social isolation.

In total, 30 people are set to benefit from the initial pilot programme in Falkirk, and Scottish Waterways Trust is fundraising to continue the project once the pilot programmes have ended.

For further information, please contact Claire Martin by phone: 07584385043, or email: claire@scottishwaterwaystrust.org.uk