March 07, 2021 - 1031 views
The health and wellbeing benefits of enjoying the natural environment are well evidenced. The use of nature or green prescribing programmes by health and social care professionals is becoming more common in both a preventative and therapy context.
Golygfa Gwydyr have received funding through the Welsh Government Rural Development Programme to develop a wellbeing service offer using the forest as a resource and they are looking for local service providers to work alongside.
Currently they are discussing ideas with health and social professionals so they can learn from best practice and introduce their service offer which is currently fully funded.
Golygfa Gwydyr are a social enterprise based in Llanrwst and have been working with rural communities since 2005. They currently manage local woodlands and run social activities such as a Men’s Shed, a friendship group and a food bank.
In partnership with Coed Lleol, theyhave been delivering a successful woodland activity programme for over 10 years in Gwydyr Forest, Llanrwst and Cae’n y Coed conifer arboretum, Betws y Coed. This has included walks, conservation and woodland skills, mindfulness and/or forest bathing (known as Shinrin-Yoku).
Heli Gittins from the group has invited local health professionals to get in touch to discuss .
"We are open to ideas! We need service providers to let us know what is needed and we need to establish referral systems so we can contribute to health provision in N Wales.
"Do get in touch if you want to know more, want to work with us, or would like to discuss co-creating a session or programme.
"If you would like to be kept informed of any activities we are running in the woods let us know and we will add you to our mailing list. We look forward to hearing from you."
Contact Golygfa Gwydyr via helig@golygfagwydyr.org or Roger Davies rogerd@golygfagwydyr.org.
For more details visit their website at www.golygfagwydyr.org
