A TEESDALE health and wellbeing project offering support to people suffering from mental health issues will be running all through winter, thanks to money from Teesdale Action Partnership.
The Woodland Wellbeing sessions are run by Bright Woods Forest School and provide fun group activities at their woodland site in Deepdale nature reserve, Startforth
The project aims to support, encourage and help those with mental health issues by spending time in nature. It received £9,994 from Teesdale Action Partnership, and for the past six months has been running sessions thanks to a grant from County Durham Community Foundation, also worth £9,994.
Gemma McColl, from Bright Woods Forest School, said: “Participants can relax and enjoy the soothing woodland atmosphere while taking part in a range of therapeutic craft and outdoor activities such as foraging, whittling and campfire cooking. There is no pressure to engage and participants are given time and space to choose how much, with whom and with what activities they choose to partake. The activity sessions have already made a huge difference to the lives of many suffering from a range of mental health conditions.”
Testimonies include: “They have transformed my life. I feel part of a little family who have supported and encouraged me – I honestly don’t know where I’d be now if I hadn’t come along to these sessions.”
Another person said: “The sessions have made me realise that I am able to integrate into a group and take part in activities just for me. A chance to breathe and let my mind stop whirling for a few precious hours.”
“Woodland Wellbeing has been a life-changing experience. It has been a safe space to be quiet, to be active, to speak honestly without feeling afraid, to feel the wind and rain on your face, to be warmed by the fire, to just be.”
Ms McColl added: “We’re delighted to have this funding from the Teesdale Action Partnership. This funding means that we can continue to help people suffering from mental health issues to experience the healing power of nature, feel part of a like-minded community and gain confidence to start living life again.
“Winter can be especially difficult for people – the weather turns colder and we have a tendency to want to hibernate. It can be very isolating. Having a reason to get wrapped up, meet others and enjoy a warming campfire lunch can make a real difference to your week.
“Attending feels a sense of achievement and can help build your resilience.”
Anyone interested in taking part in the free sessions can email louise@brightwoodsforestschool.co.uk or call 07581 512997. Alternatively, they can speak to their “social prescriber” , who can refer them to the scheme.
