A-Z of mental health
Information and advice on a huge range of mental health topics
Region - South West England
Scroll down to read all about the projects in this region or click on the project you are interested in.
| Name | Area |
| Access to Stanton Woods | Swindon |
| Avon Tyrell Eco Health | New Forest |
| Bike Minded | Bristol |
| ECOArt on Prescription | Barnstaple |
| Environment in Mind | Salisbury |
| Go Wild, Stay Well | Taunton |
| Green Links | Bath |
| Green Team: Open To All | Stroud |
| Growing Links | Basingstoke |
| Grow It! Cook It! Share It! | Bath |
| Grow It, Eat It | Bristol |
| New Beginnings | Wincanton |
| Organic Arts Community Environment Group | Exeter |
| Outdoor Club | Bude, St Austell, Devon |
| Personal Development Through Horticulture | Exeter |
| Pride and Prejudice | Plymouth |
| Print on Prescription | Exeter |
| Roots Gardening Service | Bournemouth |
| Spring to Life | Totnes |
| Surf to Success | West Cornwall |
| Thyme to Heal | Totnes & Newton Abbot |
| Tom's Farm | Devon |
| Work Inclusive, Come Grow with Us | Bristol |
Access to Stanton Woods
Run by: LEAVES (Local Enterprise and Vocational Employment Schemes)
Area: Swindon
Ecominds award amount: £18,026
LEAVES is a not-for-profit workers cooperative that provides training and work for people recovering from a mental health problem.
The Access to Stanton Woods project employs mental health service users to construct woodland pathways, boardwalks and information areas in Stanton Woods, enabling pedestrian and wheelchair access.
This is a high profile project delivered in partnership with Swindon Borough Council to improve access to the woodland and provide a legacy for local communities.
Interested in joining?
Eco Health at Avon Tyrrell
Run by: UK Youth
Area: Avon Tyrell, BH23 8EE
Ecominds award amount: £150,000
The Eco Health project is based at Avon Tyrrell, the outdoor activity centre run by the charity UK Youth. The site has a grade 1 listed house and covers 65 acres of mixed woodland, grassland and lakes, in the New Forest National Park.
Eco Health is attended by people from the New Forest and areas to the west, all of whom are recovering from long-term mental distress. We offer places for up to 8 participants who will attend for two-to-four days weekly, for three months.
Our current group is involved in conservation, gardening and site maintenance. The efforts of their hard work can be seen throughout the project with newly built picnic benches, fishing swims, and very professional wooden signs. In the future we also plan to have a larger garden and polytunnel so that we can supply produce to the main Avon Tyrell house and then even more people can benefit from the land.
We offer a great deal of support to our participants. Thanks to Ecominds funding we have a project supervisor and another member of staff to provide transport and support for up to three years. We also work closely with Solent Mind who provide a vocational advisor to us one day a week. All of this means that participants receive regular 1:1 support sessions to set targets and explore future options.
Thank you for the Eco Health project. I had a great time here. Everyone has been really friendly and supportive and this experience has helped me to gain confidence. Thank you for everything. Matt, service user, August 2010
I feel happier with myself; it’s nice to do something constructive and meaningful. Service user
Interested in joining?
Visit the UK Youth website for more information or contact Mel Johnson (Eco Health project supervisor) on 01425 672 347 or email melody@ukyouth.org
For referrals to the project contact Penny Pearl (Solent Mind Vocational Advisor) on 01425 622 922.
Bike Minded
Run by: Life Cycle UK
Area: Bristol, BS1 6XN
Ecominds award amount: £43,587
Bike Minded aims to make cycling and getting out into nature more accessible to people affected by mental health problems. It’s open to anyone who identifies themselves as having experienced mental health distress in the past or present and who feels that getting involved in cycling activities will benefit their mental wellbeing.
We offer people the opportunity to get one-to-one cycle training, to learn bike maintenance skills, take part in sociable healthy bike rides with others, and get out into the countryside, to help build confidence.
Seven months into the project we’ve had five wonderful group rides to various green places around the city. Two participants from these rides are now volunteering on the project to help devise and plan the routes for group rides.
We’ve also run a bike-recycling course for five participants, this was extremely successful and everyone involved got a huge amount out of. In fact, one of the participants David became a stalwart of our rides and came on every one of them on his newly recycled bike.
We hope to be able to run another bike recycling workshop soon for people who do not have a bike and wish to get involved.
I want to really thank you for the work you have done so far with the Bike Minded project and the impact it has already had on my life….After my breakdown and the onset of panic attacks I must be honest I never thought I'd leave the house on my own again….I have completed the maintenance course and been on one of the group rides…What I have done so far with Bike Minded has already increased my confidence and as you are aware, I believe, on the strength of my experiences with the project I volunteered to help build the permaculture garden in the Lloyd's Amphitheatre for the Bristol Harbour Festival and met yet another fantastic group of people and had a great few days with them. Extract from letter to Bike Minded from, Chris, project participant.
My involvement with Bike Minded was very interesting, to learn new skills and meet more people. It was also good for my fitness to be involved with bike rides. Thank you so much. David, participant
Interested in joining?
People who are interested can take a look at the project info on our website www.lifecycleuk.org.uk/bike-minded Alternatively they can contact the project on 0117 3534587 (Mondays and Thursdays only). Interested individuals need to complete our registration form in the first instance – this is available on our website.
ECOArt on Prescription
Run by: PETROC
Area: Barsntaple, EX31 2BQ
Ecominds award amount: £19,930
ECOArt on Prescription will involve people with experience of mental health distress in the therapeutic powers of creative activity and the natural environment with the aim to improve their mental health and improve local spaces at the same time.
Following our current initial classroom based sessions, participants will use the spectacular North Devon environment and scenery as their inspiration for outdoor sketchbook sessions. These will visually record the environment and will create portfolios which will be worked into a series of colourful designs.
Concurrent with the outdoor sessions, participants will identify and agree a number of public and/or communal spaces which they feel are run down and/or in need of improvement, especially where graffiti is a problem, and would benefit from the installation of artwork. A number of potential spaces have already been identified inlcuding external areas of a sheltered housing complex.
All of our sessions are carefully tailored to meet the needs of the targeted participants - providing a safe, supportive, affirming, inclusive and professional delivery informed by experienced health and educational professionals.
Interested in joining?
Please visit www.petroc.ac.uk/aop for more information. If you would like to get in touch you can email at aop@petroc.ac.uk call PETROC Barsntaple on 01271 338091 or post any queries to: ECOArt on Prescription, PETROC, Old Sticklepath Hill, Barsntaple, Devon, EX31 2BQ.
Environment in Mind
Run by: Joint venture between Alabare’s mental health service and TCV
Area: Salisbury, SP1-4
Ecominds award amount: £59,995
Alabare Environment in Mind offers service users in the Salisbury and South Wiltshire area, who have experience of mental distress, the opportunity to take part in countryside activities which benefit both the environment and personal recovery.
The project aims to provide service users with the opportunity to engage in practical conservation and accredited training opportunities with the emphasis on tackling social stigma and social inclusion. It will also allow the opportunity for new friendships and interests to develop.
Service users are also encouraged to realise employment prospects and provided the opportunity to join a volunteer leader scheme – a scheme for those who have a desire to help others and want to take on more responsibility.
A really worthwhile project for the community, helping its members and the environment. John-Salisbury, member of the local community
It has been so good to get the chance to go and help maintain beautiful places. JH, service user
Nice to get out of the town and do something worthwile. MM, service user
Interested in joining?
Referrals can take place through Alabare’s ‘Include’ Project which is an outreach service for those experiencing mental health problems. Referrals can also be made from GPs, Mental health services and by self-referral. An assessment will be carried out in the first instance by the ‘Include’ team. If you would like more information on the project visit our website page.
Go Wild, Stay Well
Run by: Mind in Taunton and West Somerset
Area: Taunton, TA4 1LN
Ecominds award amount: £55,565
Go Wild, Stay Well enables people experiencing mental distress to access the therapeutic benefits of nature through ‘ecotherapy’. Participants take part in ten weekly sessions, undertaking conservation work on several stunning nature reserves in the Quantock and Blackdown hills. Part of each session is a walk on the reserve led by a member of Somerset Wildlife Trust, who guides exploration and appreciation of the nature reserve.
Ecotherapy is complementary to talking therapies and prescribed medication. In a recent article on The Ecologist website the support coordinator, David Topham, explained ecotherapy as “just a posh way of saying, get into the natural environment, do something physical and you'll feel better about yourself. It's not complicated but it's very effective.”
At the end of each 10 week course participants are given a certificate and guidance on other activities they can participate in and follow on from their involvement with Go Wild Stay Well. Our participants so far have reported feeling better, sleeping better, being physically fitter and also really enjoyed being part of a group.
I have got a lot out of the group. I am a lot more confident now. Participant from the first group
Interested in joining?
To take part in Go Wild Stay Well please contact David Topham on 01823 334906 or davidt@mindtws.org.uk Alternatively you can find out more at our web site www.mindtws.org.uk or visit our Facebook page
Green Links
Run by: Co-operatively provided by Bath Mind and B&NES Social Services Community Options Team
Area: Bath, BA2 2JF
Ecominds award amount: £49,068
Green Links is a project which aims to support recovery and promote healthy lifestyles amongst individuals who live with mental distress.
Alongside our horticultural therapist, service users get the opportunity to learn new skills, develop their knowledge around nature and horticulture, take part in exercise and relaxation, and meet new people. We encourage everyone to take part in planning for the growing season, planting, nurturing and harvesting produce which they also get to eat! Most importantly we try to make sure that everyone uses the natural environment as a form of restorative activity and that they also have lots fun!
So far the group has converted a large area of a community allotment site from uncultivated wilderness to a highly productive and visually attractive organic garden. The site now contains mixed planting areas, raised beds, a polytunnel, a composting toilet, outdoor seating and a large wooden shed for storage and shelter.
At the end of our first growing season we were awarded 'The Best Allotment by a Group or School' at the Bath in Bloom competition which our service users were all delighted with.
It is lovely to see such a nice garden from my window. It all used to be a bit of an eyesore before. Keith, local resident
It helps me keep a positive frame of mind by achieving and you can make friendships with a good cross-section of people. Service user
Interested in joining?
Registration forms can be obtained by ringing the Bath Mind office on 01225 316199, or by email admin@bathmind.org.uk If you would like more information about Greenlinks before registering, please contact Amanda Boston (Horticultural Therapist) on 07583 010589 or e-mail greenlinks@bathmind.org.uk
The Green Team: Open to All
Run by: Stroud Valleys Project
Area: Stroud, GL5 1AF
Ecominds award amount: £19,989
Supporting Impact award amount: £19,989
Stroud Valleys Project is a dynamic community-based and volunteer-focused organisation working to protect and enhance our local environment - increasing biodiversity and sustainable development, to make the Stroud Valleys area a better, healthier place to live for both present and future generations.
The Green Team: Open to All project is designed to help people with mental health problems get better and acquire new skills during practical conservation sessions. It’s an open, socially inclusive group for people from all walks of life, who enjoy working outdoors and learning new things.
Volunteers can carry out a range of nature conservation activities at greenspaces around Stroud district, including: planting and laying hedges, planting wildflowers and bulbs, creating bog gardens, managing scrub and making bird, bat and insect boxes.
The project also runs WOW (Women Working Outside), a pioneering project that provides a supportive environment for women interetsed in growing food and conservation.
Conservation volunteering with Stroud Valleys Project offers… a gateway to feeling socially included... a rare opportunity overcoming barriers due to stigma. Therapist at Park House, a local mental health service
I like coming out to help because I learn new things and I always feel valued. It makes me feel better about myself. Rob, volunteer
The work we do makes me feel I achieved something on that day. Mike, volunteer
Interested in joining?
For details of sessions please contact Ivi Szaboova at Stroud Valleys Project on 01453 753358 or ivi@stroudvalleysproject.org
If you would like to find out more you can also visit our website www.stroudvalleysproject.org and Facebook page.
Growing Links
Run by: Shaw Trust
Area: Basingstoke, RG22 6AX
Ecominds award amount: £150,000
Growing Links is a fantastic, innovative project which supports people with mental health problems in Primary Mental Health care in Basingstoke. At the project participants are supported to plant new trees, dig new plots, and grow plants and vegetables on currently unused allotment areas on two sites (Elizabeth Road and Silvester Close). Two dedicated officers work with the participants, enabling them to become active and to learn the skills to grow plants and vegetables.
The project started on 16 November 2009 and the activity aims to help people who are unemployed, inactive, depressed, anxious, possibly agoraphobic and socially excluded to gain new work skills, become active and take part in work alongside the community in order to improve the local environment. This will act to increase mood, reduce anxiety and through work with other volunteers from the community tackle stigma also.
I feel very healthy at the moment Service user
Being outside, meeting people and eating healthily are very important to meService user
Interested in joining?
If you are interested in joining please call 01256 361964 or visit our website.
Grow it! Cook it! Share it!
Run by: Bath City Farm
Area: Bath, BA2 1NW
Ecominds award amount: £18,495
Supporting Impact award amount: £9,104
Cook it! Eat it! Share it! enables people with experience of mental distress to participate in community growing, eating and selling at Bath City Farm, an under-used 37 acre site in a deprived area of Bath.
Here volunteers have been helping to prepare our new community garden site on the Farm. They’ve been involved from the very beginning, setting out plots, putting up gates and fencing, creating pathways and installing water points - giving them a real sense of ownership of the project and gaining a sense of achievement as they watch the project grow from its very roots. Garden plots are also available for individuals and groups from the local community to grow alongside them.
One of the most important aspects of growing vegetables is knowing what to do with it all, how to deal with gluts and crucially how to create delicious, healthy and simple meals. On volunteer days, if produce is available, volunteers will take turns preparing something tasty to share with the group.
Overall we hope to empower participants so that they prepare, maintain, and grow a wide range of plants and vegetables, with support and training from a paid coordinator and other long-term volunteers.
Interested in joining?
Please call 01225 481269 or visit www.bathcityfarm.org.uk
Grow It, Eat It
Run by: Windmill Hill City Farm
Area: Bristol, BS3 4EA
Ecominds award amount: £18,945
Please note: This project has completed its Ecominds-funded work. However, it may still be offering similar opportunities for volunteers. Please contact the project directly for further information.
Grow It, Eat It aims to inspire people who have mental health problems to enjoy and physically benefit from growing their own fruit and vegetables on our allotment space in the wonderful Windmill Hill City Farm. Currently we are preparing the plot for growing in the spring.
Our participants have not only been benefiting from exercise during the allotment activities but some have also been getting the chance to learn how to cook healthy meals using the farm produce which gets contributed to the community café or taken home. All of the project activities are helping our participants to look at their life styles and to take steps to improve their physical and mental health.
We’ve had great results so far, participants have said that they are feeling better, learning lots and enjoying the fresh air and social aspect of the group. Many of the project members are already saying that they would like to stay on as volunteers in the gardens or café or would consider volunteering with conservation groups in the future.
This is the only project that I know of like it in Bristol. I suggested it to one of my service users and he loves it. He is now enjoying planning and cooking healthy meals and gardening. He has given up smoking and is enjoying being in the fresh air. He is more relaxed and cheerful and feels he has more purpose in his life. Kevin Murphey, CPN Cabot Community Mental Health Team
The project has taught me a lot about healthy eating, I never used to eat vegetables, fruit, salad or seeds and now I do. Instead of crisps I eat pumpkin seeds…I have not done anything for years because of my mental health problems. Because of the group I am now feeling more confident and I have joined an out and about group which I am enjoying. Gina, participant
I am really enjoying learning about and practicing healthy eating. The exercise is getting me fitter and I like being outside. My communication skills are improving and I am able to help other people in the group which is helping my confidence. Mark, participant
Interested in joining?
Anyone who receives or has received support for mental health problems from their GP or from a Secondary Mental Health Service can become involved in the project. We require a simple application form to be completed prior to joining. For more information on the project look at our website www.windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk
We run the cooking sessions in 10 week blocks, so contact us to find out when the next sessions are starting. The gardening is ongoing and so please contact Nicky Bacon or Beth Yarsley on 0117 9633255.
New Beginnings
Run by: The Growing Space (Wincanton) Ltd
Area: Wincanton, Somerset
Ecominds award amount: £31,458
The Growing Space is a registered charity that forms part of the Healthy Living Partnership and Children’s Centre based at the Balsam Centre in Wincanton. They have developed the centre’s gardens to create areas for quiet contemplation, socialising, playing, food growing, propagation and learning.
Interested in joining?
Contact the project on 01963 31842
OrganicARTS Community Environment Group
Run by: OrganicARTS Community Environment Group
Area: Outskirts of Exeter, EX2 9TG
Ecominds award amount: £19,550
Please note: This project has completed its Ecominds-funded work. However, it may still be offering similar opportunities for volunteers. Please contact the project directly for further information.
OrganicARTS run an arts and education centre on a working organic farm in the outskirts of Exeter with a view to educating people about rural and environmental issues and the arts.
Twice a week we run a minibus out from the centre of Exeter to the farm for people with mental health problems to volunteer in our community garden and elsewhere on the farm. With the hard work of our volunteers new features are regularly developed in the garden, so far we have a pond, bees and beehives, a fruit cage, a dry stone wall with inbedded flowers, a herb garden, a renovated shed, a recycled tyre wall for the car park, and hurdles.
The volunteers also help with the maintenance of the educational trail on the farm and help with seasonal farm work. This year we will be taking monthly walks around the trail with a herbalist to record the plants that are growing in order to make educational resources for visitors
I used to live here and try and look after the garden so know what hard work it is, your volunteers have transformed it into a lovely space for people to enjoy. Jackie, local resident and allotment holder
It’s a joy to see the transformation in the volunteers between the morning and afternoon and also over the weeks they attend. Philip, farm worker and resident
It’s given me more confidence in dealing with and catering for a large number of people. Hugh, service user
It’s given me something to look forward to each week and a day out in the countryside away from the city, meeting new people and learning an updating new skills. It’s so enjoyable. Brian, service user
Interested in joining?
If you’d like to join us or find out more telephone 01392 811080, visit www.organicarts.org.uk or email christine@organicarts.org.uk You can also find us on Facebook.
The Outdoor Club
Run by: The Outdoor Club
Areas: Bude, St Austell, Barnstaple, North Devon
Ecominds award amount: £19,959
Through The Outdoor Club, adults with experience of mental distress can participate in an eleven week programme of bushcraft activities delivered on a beautiful National Trust site. Activities include fire building, identifying flora and fauna and green craft. Through being outdoors, participants are supported to reconnect with themselves, with others and with the natural world.
Interested in joining?
Refer to our online term dates for information on times and location, complete an online form or call 07521 303725.
Personal Development Through Horticulture
Run by: Exeter CVS
Area: Exeter EX4 6PD
Ecominds award amount: £20,000
Personal Development Through Horticulture is a short course working towards greater self awareness and improved personal interactions.
It aims to offer a working understanding of basic horticulture, demystifying some of the complex jargon and giving learners the practical understanding and confidence to be able to tend their own plot, or to take the next step on the 'learning' ladder.
Delivered at Level 2, the course is accredited with the NOCN and upon completion certificates will be awarded.
Interested in joining?
Call 01392 202055 or email: andrew.sanders@exetercvs.org.uk
Visit the Exeter CVS website or have a look at the project blog for more information.
Pride & Prejudice
Run by: Colebrook Housing Society
Area: Plymouth PL1 3HQ
Ecominds award amount: £18,086
Please note: This project has completed its Ecominds-funded work. However, it may still be offering similar opportunities for volunteers. Please contact the project directly for further information.
Pride & Prejudice encourage and empower people to take an active role in re-designing their local green spaces. Located in the Plymouth area, we want to create a positive and supportive environment for people to become active and involved.
There are many ways for people to get involved in the project, from the practical hands-on side, to the more creative side of planning the spaces.
The whole ethos of the project is to work in collaboration with the people who use those spaces and put their ideas into action. This will then help to raise awareness of mental distress and showcase to the wider community that everyone has something to offer, therefore challenging the stigma surrounding these issues.
Having spent seven years unemployed due to mental distress and experiencing some really dark days myself I am really excited to have the opportunity to return to the working world and use the insight I gained to help others achieve their goals. Pride & Prejudice has given me this chance and I think that there needs to be more projects like this. Cilla McCarthy Pride & Prejudice Co-ordinator
Interested in joining?
The project is self-referring, the project co-ordinator is Cilla McCarthy. Contact her at: Pride & Prejudice Project, UNIT 15, HQ Building, 237 Union Street, Plymouth PL1 3HQ
Phone: 01752 202407.
Print on Prescription
Run by: Double Elephant Print Workshop
Area: Exeter and surrounding areas, EX4 3LS
Ecominds award amount: £19,810
Print on Prescription is a scheme for mental health service users, collaborating with local arts, health and outdoor organisations.
We currently run a two-part weekly Print on Prescription Scheme (POP) for service users who have long-term chronic mental distress. This entails a 10 week introductory project for participants new to printmaking leading to a weekly afternoon drop-in sessions for experienced participants who want to access printmaking on an independent basis.
Our Ecominds funding enables us to work 1-day per month in our beautiful surroundings across rural Devon. In particular, it allows us to focus on printing outside, combining print with foraging and gardening, learning about environmental sustainability, outdoor voluntary work and other opportunities that this client group could take up.
Interested in joining?
In the first instance, contact our Emma Molony (POP Coordinator) on 07855 512753 for an informal discussion about the group.
Roots Gardening Service
Run by: Help and care
Area: Bournemouth
Ecominds award amount: £59,855
Roots are a gardening service provided by a supervised group of volunteer trainees recovering from mental distress. Our Ecominds grant has enabled Roots to expand and provide additional support to volunteers.
We provide a gardening service to older people who can no longer manage their garden and organisations and businesses in need of gardening and ground maintenance.
I used to spend a lot of time on my own, I did not want to leave the house, I slept constantly and felt like I had nothing to get up for, I felt alien.
Now I am part of the team and I feel like I have something to get up for in the morning. I enjoy the fresh air and gardening and I get a real sense of achievement and satisfaction when we finish a garden.
I have no idea what I would be doing if it wasn’t for Roots, it’s done so much for me. It’s pointed me in the right direction and helped me to learn new skills such as paving and building compost bins. Now that I have built up some experience I am hoping that it will lead to me being able to get some paid work. Dan, project volunteer
Interested in joining?
To find out more about Roots call 0300 111 3303, email contact@helpandcare.org.uk or visit www.helpandcare.org.uk
Spring to Life
Run by: Sharpham Trust / Ambios
Area: Totnes, Devon TQ9 7UT
Ecominds award amount: £59,964
Supporting Impact award amount: £28,450
Spring to Life aims to connect volunteers and participants whose lives have been affected by mental distress in some way with the environment. This is through a course of environmental conservation, outdoor activities, horticulture and bushcraft.
Long-term volunteer mentors on 8 month placements work towards units of a National Diploma in environmental conservation whilst supporting young participants on 10 day placements.
The learning journey the participants embark on will all be linked to the Sharpham Estate, 550 acres of mixed farmland, woodland, rivers and gardens. They will be taken on a voyage of discovery, offering unique and personal experiences with the natural world. It will also allow them time in the outdoors to stimulate recovery from mental distress as placements will be run at the participant’s own pace.
It was lovely to have the Spring to Life gang down here helping us to clear the wetland of invasive species and unblocking the waterways. The volunteers are wonderful helping out the young people, guiding them and giving them support and the young people really got stuck in. They made a big impact and seemed to be having fun doing it. Ruth Gorman – Young’s Park People chairman
The Sharpham Trust website has a short film with young participants explaining how the project works and how it has helped them.
Interested in joining?
Please call Christine Carol, our Project Co-ordinator on: 01803 732799 or email her at christine@sharphamtrust.org
Surf to Success
Run by: GB Boardriders
Area: Beaches in West Cornwall
Ecominds award amount: £19,875
Supporting Impact award amount: £14,600
GB Boardriders Ecominds Surf to Success project is an academically evaluated 12 week 'learn to surf' programme designed to improve the personal and collective responsibility of local young people.
Our participants are children aged between 8 and 16 who have many issues including: dyslexia; computer gaming addiction; eating and drug and alcohol disorders, or have experienced abuse and neglect.
We work with the children five days a week, some from the short stay schools – schools which children who have been excluded from mainstream education have to attend – and some children from local schools who are in danger of becoming neets: a government term for not in employment, education or training.
The project aims to re-engage socially excluded young people and hopes to see them positively re-engage with the education system, their families and society. It also offers training, employment possibilities and aims to reduce short and long-term public spending. It hopes to empower and inform on issues surrounding globalisation, litter and public space.
The data from an initial pilot study conducted with 25 youngsters in 2010 were highly encouraging. Overall, we saw significant improvements in self-reported life satisfaction and satisfaction with appearance, an important life domain for self-esteem and well-being at this age. Dr. Mat White, Lecturer in Applied Psychology, Plymouth University
We educate young people who are struggling in the mainstream education system. These students often have challenging behaviour as a result of their complex needs....Surf sessions were introduced in spring 2008 and initially the students were not prepared to take a risk and get involved. Gradually the group took off… The students responded well to the approach of the coaches and there was good two way communication between GB and our school. We have seen students grow in confidence with the new skills they have acquired and proud that they have tried and succeeded at something new. Sarah Van Horn, Head of Penwith Short Stay School
Interested in joining?
Contact the Project Manager Mod Lefroy on 01736711404 or email him. We also accept referrals from schools.
Thyme to Heal
Run by: Green Lane Herb Link
Area: Nr. Totnes and Newton abbot,TQ9 6NG
Ecominds award amount: £20,000
Thyme to Heal provides supported sessions for up to six people experiencing mental health problems. The sessions take place at the Althaea Herbal Healing garden, a 3 acre site with a pond, orchard, meadow, medicinal herb garden, vegetable garden, kitchen, library, and a workshop. Onsite we also have chickens, ponies and sheep, and we mustn’t forget lots of cosy relaxation areas.
Volunteers can get involved in a wide variety of gardening and land management tasks, including scything, haymaking, hedge laying, milking sheep and animal care, or just sit and relax in the tranquil atmosphere. We also provide lunches and herbal teas using produce from the garden.
Being at Althaea gives me a sense of peace and an ability to focus on work, and a connection to other people. Andy, service user
I am happier and I sleep better. I have learned many skills and techniques. Linda, service user
Interested in joining?
Contact Frances on 07720 440 866 (txt or call) or email greenlaneherbs.frances@virgin.net Alternatively you can contact GPs at Leatside surgery for a referral form.
Tom'sFarm
Run by: Tom's Farm CIC
Area: Newton Abott, TQ13 8RR
Ecominds award amount: £19,994
Please note: This project has completed its Ecominds-funded work. However, it may still be offering similar opportunities for volunteers. Please contact the project directly for further information.
Watch this introduction to the farm. short film
Tom's Farm is a social enterprise based on Dartmoor which provides support for vulnerable young people from across Devon.
The project is set on a working organic farm, and uses working with horses; learning to ride; rural skills; a range of practical projects; healthy eating and gardening, as well as creative activities to help young people gain confidence, develop a range of skills, and make new friends. It is run by paid staff and volunteers.
Ecominds have enabled us to further develop the project after our pilot phase. As a result we have been able to support a further 20 vulnerable young people through the 3 month programme. The feedback from the young people, and those who know and support them, has been outstanding. Several of the young people have become ‘young leaders’ helping to support other young people to participate.
The nurturing but empowering environment which the staff, volunteers and horses provide, along with the opportunity to learn new skills (such as carpentry, green woodwork; gardening) is a unique experience. Young people who struggle to engage anywhere else are enthusiastic participants at Tom’s Farm.
Without a doubt R's participation in Tom’s Farm has been an unqualified success...He constantly talked about his day there and how he managed different and sometimes difficult situations. His self esteem and confidence have risen considerably and it is also clear that he has a genuine warmth and affection both towards the staff and the animals linked to the project. Key worker
Interested in joining?
You can contact us directly on 07816 826258, or on tomsfarm.dartmoor@googlemail,com.
You can ask your youth worker; CAMHS worker, key worker school or GP to make a referral.
Work INClusive: Come Grow With Us
Run by: Milestones Trust
Area: Bristol
Ecominds award amount: £20,000
Please note: This project has completed its Ecominds-funded work. However, it may still be offering similar opportunities for volunteers. Please contact the project directly for further information.
Work Inclusive works to enable people to develop skills in gardening and horticulture, gain meaningful employment and produce food to be sold.
Interested in joining?
Email Ioan Williams at: ioanw@milestonestrust.org.uk