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The health and wellbeing impacts of volunteering with The Wildlife Trusts
- Authors:
- ROGERSON Mike, UNIVERSITY OF ESSEX, et al
- Publishers:
- The Wildlife Trusts, University of Essex
- Publication year:
- 2017
- Pagination:
- 52
- Place of publication:
- Newark
This study, carried out by the Green Exercise Team at the University of Essex, evaluates the health and wellbeing benefits to 139 people participating in Wildlife Trusts projects run by five Wildlife Trusts across England. The evaluation assessed changes in participants’ attitudes, behaviour and mental wellbeing over the course of 12 weeks, as a result of taking part in nature conservation volunteering programmes. The evaluation found that the mental wellbeing of participants improved over the 12-week period, and that improvements were greatest for people who had not previously taken part in Wildlife Trust activities. At the start of the study period, 39 percent of participants reported low wellbeing, compared to UK norms. After 12 weeks, this had reduced to 19 percent. Participants also reported enhanced levels of positivity, health, nature relatedness, pro-environmental behaviour, levels of physical activity and increased contact with greenspace. An annex provides descriptions of the projects, which include 'Men in Sheds'; Wellbeing through Nature, which is aimed at people with long term health conditions, depression or anxiety; Practical Conservation Social Prescribing; and the Inclusive Volunteering Project for people with a health and wellbeing need that prevents them participating fully in society. (Edited publisher abstract)
Ecominds effects on mental wellbeing: an evaluation for Mind
- Authors:
- BRAGG Rachel, WOOD Carly, BARTON Jo
- Publisher:
- MIND
- Publication year:
- 2013
- Pagination:
- 112
- Place of publication:
- London
In 2007, Mind called for a new green agenda for mental health, highlighting the growing evidence in support of an accessible, cost-effective and natural addition to existing treatment options, using ecotherapy (sometimes called green care) interventions. Through the management of Ecominds (a £7.5 million Big Lottery Fund supported open grant scheme), Mind subsequently funded 130 ecotherapy projects ranging from horticultural and agricultural schemes, through to walking groups and regeneration initiatives in local parks. Ecominds has helped 12,071 people living with mental health problems to get involved in green activities to improve confidence, self-esteem, and their physical and mental health. This report presents results of projects and “in-depth” evaluations conducted by researchers at the University of Essex School of Biological Sciences and Essex Sustainability Institute. The focus was on three main themes: wellbeing, social inclusion, and connection to nature; and two secondary themes: healthy lifestyles, and environmentally friendly behaviour. The report includes examples of different forms of activity consistent with Ecominds project activities as described by participants. It also includes the texts of questionnaires used for the evaluations. (Edited publisher abstract)
People and green spaces: promoting public health and mental health well-being though ecotherapy
- Author:
- BURLS Ambra
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Public Mental Health, 6(3), September 2007, pp.24-39.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Drawing on the author's multi-method research on the viability of specific ecotherapy practitioner training and curriculum design, this paper debates how the use of ecotherapeutic approaches can provide a two-pronged system to achieve both individual health (at micro level) and public and environmental health outcomes (at macro level). The research sought the view of service users, practitioners and educationalists through the use of interviews, focus groups, and nominal group, and an ethnographic case study group. This research raised other considerations: namely, that people seeking personal recovery also, through stewardship of green spaces, may achieve unanticipated social and natural capital outcomes and thereby meet current multi-disciplinary policy targets. This added social value has not been previously considered as an important dimension in people's well-being and recovery from ill health or social exclusion.
Being mindful of mental health: the role of local government in mental health and wellbeing
- Author:
- LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION
- Publisher:
- Local Government Association
- Publication year:
- 2017
- Pagination:
- 56
- Place of publication:
- London
This report explores the different ways that local authorities support mental health and wellbeing in communities, using their statutory duties and non-statutory duties. It looks at what councils can do to create mentally well places and highlights their role in the prevention and early intervention of mental health problems, along with the voluntary and community sector. The report looks how council services can contribute to mental wellbeing in the following areas: adult social care; public health; child and adolescent mental health; housing and homelessness; community safety; parks and green spaces; and culture and leisure services. It includes short case studies of local authority initiatives and links to additional resources. It also highlights the need to re-focus mental health policy away from medicalisation and mental ill health to prevention, early intervention and mental wellness. (Edited publisher abstract)