A free counselling service for young people and adults combining the benefits of spending time in nature and professional therapy.
º£½ÇÉçÇø’s Outdoor Therapy service
The service aimsÌý³Ù´ÇÌýsupport people by combining theÌýfull range ofÌý²ú±ð²Ô±ð´Ú¾±³Ù²õÌýfromÌý³Ù¾±³¾±ðÌýin nature and theÌýoutdoorsÌýwith professional therapyÌýto improve mental health and wellbeing.ÌýÌý
OutdoorÌýTherapy is delivered in urban outdoor and greenÌýspacesÌýsuch as parks, community gardens, woodlands, beachesÌýorÌýlocalÌýhills.ÌýIt can help people gain perspective andÌýreflect on past or current life events that are troubling.ÌýMetaphors offered by natureÌýmayÌýdevelop into insight onÌýfeelings,ÌýrelationshipsÌýand experiences.Ìý
Individuals access greenspaces and experience the grounding benefits of nature, which clears a busy mind and brings feelings of calm and stability for people who regularly experience high levels of stress and chaos at home. In this way nature offers an opportunity for reflection that can be utilised within therapy practice.Ìý
ThisÌýwill be deliveredÌýbyÌýour team ofÌýdedicated and qualified therapists, including traineeÌýtherapists whereÌýappropriate.ÌýFor many people,Ìýoutdoor therapyÌýmay beÌýmore suitableÌýthan traditional therapeutic settings.ÌýParticipants canÌýconnect with natureÌýinÌýtheir local areas building a connection to place and community.ÌýOur teamÌýhave specialist knowledge and areÌýexperiencedÌýin workingÌýoutdoorsÌýwithÌýthe issues facing ourÌýclients. ÌýÌý
These include, but are not limited to: Ìý
- poor mental health and emotional wellbeing
- violence and aggression
- depression
- relationship and family difficulties
- anxiety and stress
- grief and trauma
- loneliness and social isolation
- problem substance use
We believe in the child's right to
Read our Children's Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment here.
Note: º£½ÇÉçÇø does not currently work with registered sex offenders or those subject to Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA).
Read our Outdoor Therapy Impact Report 2021-22 here.Ìý
Click to open and download our Outdoor Therapy Digital Leaflet.
East & Central
Locations:  Fife.
Age range:   Young People (10-24) (Or, up to 26 if care-experienced).
We have currently had to pause accepting referrals fromÌýEast Lothian, Edinburgh, Midlothian, West Lothian due to exceptionally high numbers being referred to the service, we hope to review this situation in lateÌý2024.
West
Locations:  East Ayrshire, Glasgow, North Ayrshire, North Lanarkshire, South Ayrshire and South Lanarkshire.
Who it's for:Ìý People of any age. (16+).
It may be particularly appropriate for people who have sought support through traditional statutory therapeutic servicesÌý(GP’s; CAMHS/community psychiatric services;ÌýotherÌýcounselling; psychotherapy; CBT etc.) but have not been able to make the changes they were hoping for or were unable to gain access ³Ù´ÇÌýservices.
This is not a crisis service.ÌýIf someone is suffering from an acute mental health crisis, please read Our Immediate Help guide for adviceÌýon how best to seek immediate support.
º£½ÇÉçÇø Hub | Area | Hub Coordinator Contact Details |
---|---|---|
Outdoor Therapy | East Ayrshire, Fife, Glasgow, North Ayrshire, North Lanarkshire, South Ayrshire and South Lanarkshire. | therapy@venturetrust.org.uk |