Conservation Trainee Mollie, shadowed Links with Nature Engagement Officer, Pip Jackson, to support the delivery of Durham Wildlife Trust’s first wellbeing programme. The aim was to reconnect those in the Coalfield with local greenspaces and improve overall feelings of wellbeing. In this blog, Mollie reflects on the programme and provides an overview on Feel Good Thursdays. Pip provides insight into wellbeing and green social prescribing, along with findings from Feel Good Thursdays.

‘Feel Good Thursdays’ was a six-week programme delivered by Links with Nature for residents within the Coalfield area of Sunderland. This initiative utilised the natural environment of Hetton Lyons Country Park as a therapeutic space to cultivate mindfulness and enhance the wellbeing of our participants. The focal point of the ‘Feel Good Thursdays’ programme was centred on the idea that immersion in nature, combined with guided activities, can significantly improve mental and physical health; as well as highlighting the benefits of appreciating the natural world. By offering beginner-friendly, nature-based activities, ‘Feel Good Thursdays’ was accessible to all adults, encouraging self-referrals as well as referrals from social prescribers and community providers.

Each week the programme delivered nature-based activities, building on the content from previous sessions. The first week focused on mindful beginnings and established foundations for the programme. This session highlighted the beneficial role of mindfulness in connecting with the natural world and becoming present within surroundings. A guided mindful walk, led by Liz from the Little Company of Calm, encouraged participants to engage their senses. They were then introduced to Qigong, an ancient practice that combines flowing movement, focused breathing and meditation to promote relaxation and inner harmony. In the following sessions, the group explored the natural sounds and sights during a wildlife walk. Expanding on the programme’s foundation of encouraging participants to actively engage with their environment. The group enhanced abilities to observe and appreciate the intricacies of the natural ecosystem through sensory engagement such as wildlife sketching and mindfulness mapping. Next up was a wild yoga session, delivered by Roy Moor, which contributed another physical dimension to the programme and emphasised the interconnectedness of mind, body and nature within the beautiful backdrop of Hetton Lyons Country Park. Appreciation for nature and conservation was enhanced during a practical conservation task which shifted the focus from personal wellbeing to environmental stewardship, without disregarding the benefits of physical activity and connection to the local ecosystem.

Using some of the natural materials from the reed bed management, we created spring wreaths in the fourth week, which provided an essential creative outlet for our participants where they could express their appreciation for nature and reflect on their journeys across the programme. The programme concluded with another mindfulness session by Liz from The Little Company of Calm, practicing gratitude whilst forest bathing and reflecting upon the programme as a whole.  

Beyond the structured activities, ‘Feel Good Thursdays’ has highlighted the importance of observation, reflection, and recognition of the cyclical nature of life. With the programme being delivered during spring, we were able to recognise the beauty of change and the importance of mindfully acknowledging seasonality and the natural recurrence of change. Across the programme, the group drew attention to the subtle yet profound changes that occur in the natural world, from the snowdrops and daffodils to the spring blossom and birdsong - reinforcing the beauty of nature and the natural fluctuations of life.

Observations throughout the programme demonstrated its beneficial impact and wide range of positive outcomes for our participants. By actively engaging with nature, the group was expected to experience improved overall wellbeing, including enhanced mood and increased activity levels. The deeper appreciation for nature and the outdoors, as well as providing a valuable opportunity for social interaction, community and connection, created a supportive and inclusive environment which fostered a sense of belonging and empowerment. We have hoped that participants feel further equipped with practical strategies for enhancing personal wellbeing going forward beyond the programme, and we look forward to delivering another ‘Feel Good Thursdays’ programme this summer.

Wellbeing and green social prescribing

Access to nature can improve wellbeing. But access to nature for some is becoming more difficult. Barriers preventing access can have a knock-on effect to wellbeing. Links with Nature aims to help reduce these barriers to access greenspaces and involvement in nature-based activities. NHS Trusts are increasingly using social prescribing and green social prescribing opportunities, which are nature-based interventions to managing health issues (NHS England). Programmes such as 'Feel Good Thursdays' can be used to help support people with physical, mental and social health related issues. Attendees on our programmes were referred either from health coaches, community providers or self-referred. This shows that social prescribers and individuals seeking to improve wellbeing, are looking for opportunities which include nature and the outdoors. This is in line with a report by GOV.UK, stating both prescribers and clients are open to nature-based prescribing and holistic approaches to managing wellbeing. To ensure our programme was accessible to those self-referring and to social prescribers, it was promoted to Sunderland GP Alliance, Sunderland Health Champions, local community organisations, pharmacies, Active Sunderland, DWP and Links for Life Sunderland.

Findings from Feel Good Thursdays

Links with Nature carried out evaluation through surveys, gauging participants feelings and attitudes towards wellbeing and nature at the start and end of the programme. Our findings have demonstrated how it is important having access to greenspace for overall wellbeing. When people can give a bit of time for wellbeing activities, attendees had improved feelings of happiness, reduced anxiety and more social connectivity whilst immersing in nature. All respondents felt very connected to nature after the programme. Whereas at the start felt somewhat connected or little connection with nature, this was due to various factors including lack of knowing where to go, what to do, feelings of safety and health related issues. After the first session two attendees returned to Hetton Lyons Country Park with family and friends to share their new knowledge of the greenspace. Creating a butterfly effect, increasing visitors to greenspace and those having positive experiences with nature. Attendees enjoyed socialising and meeting new people, while being outdoors. Attendees’ favourite aspects of the programme included becoming more active, learning new skills, seeing nature and gaining more confidence in trying outdoor activities like yoga, qigong or conservation tasks such as reed clearing.

Join our next Feel Good Thursdays programme

Our 'Feel Good Thursdays' programme is open to adults within the Coalfield, wishing to improve their overall wellbeing. Our next free 6-week wellbeing programme begins June 5th at Herrington Country Park.

To find out more or to book your space visit:  https://LWNFGT.eventbrite.co.uk, contact Links with Nature Engagement Officer Pip - pjackson@durhamwt.co.uk or call Rainton Meadows on 01915843112 and ask for Pip.

Find out more about Links with Nature: https://linktr.ee/linkswithnature

Want Wilder Wellbeing for a work setting?

Durham Wildlife Trust offer Wilder Wellbeing and Wilder Work Days sessions, which are unique nature-based sessions for business away days, team building, supporting employee wellbeing and for fulfilling corporate social responsibility commitments.

Find out more here. 

References:

https://www.durhamwt.com/nature-health-and-well-being

https://www.england.nhs.uk/personalisedcare/social-prescribing/green-social-prescribing/#:~:text=Green%20social%20prescribing%20includes%20both,activities%20which%20take%20place%20outdoors.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/green-social-prescribing-perceptions-among-clinicians-and-the-public/exploring-perceptions-of-green-social-prescribing-among-clinicians-and-the-public

Links with Nature is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with thanks to National Lottery players.