SPENDING time walking, working or running in green spaces can transform the lives of those suffering poor mental health.
That’s the claim from those who have devoted their careers to supporting those struggling with their wellbeing.
Speaking ahead of Swindon Green Spaces and Wellbeing Week, the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust’s Jo Woodhams said volunteering in the outdoors was “great at instilling hope, seeing the fruits of your labours”.
Jo, who runs the trust’s wellbeing programme, a scheme that gets those with mental health issues volunteering on reserves and at other green spaces, added: “It’s giving you that sense of a future. It’s not instant gratification. Growing plants and veggies gets people to connect with the idea there’s a future.
“The peer support aspect is hugely important, getting out and working towards a common goal, feeling like you’re giving something back.
“The work they’re doing isn’t tokenistic, it’s essential for the wildlife trust. We rely on volunteers.”
Scientists have suggested that humans are innately drawn to natural, green spaces. The theory, called biophilia, is that we need to spend time in the natural places our ancestors would have relied on for food and shelter.
While 21st century man no longer needs to spear a deer to eat, Jo and others’ experience seems to suggest that people relax and open up in the outdoors.
“We’ve got a young lady who, when we first started working with her, was really shy,” said Jo.
“She’s completed her six months and now volunteers with us. She’s at the point where she’s able to lead activities and I buddy her up with the new people who are quite nervous.”
At Twigs Community Garden in Cheney Manor, many volunteers are referred to the garden centre by mental health charity Mind and the local job centre.
Former forklift truck driver Phillip Harrison, 46, first went to Twigs a year ago after he was referred by the job centre. He said: “This place saved me. There’s no other way of saying it. I can’t explain how much it’s done for me. It’s saved me from a very dark place. Now, I can see a future for myself.
“It’s given me the will to move on, to know that I’m not alone in the world.”
The Swindon man has suffered from paralysing depression: “It’s horrible. You feel completely useless, like you’re a drain on everyone and the only light at the end of the tunnel is an oncoming train.”
Swindon Green Spaces and Wellbeing Week runs from Monday, July 8 to Sunday, July 14.
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