Ecotherapy sessions expanding across Dorset

Dorset Mind say they've seen the benefits, so they're running three more sites

Author: Faye TryhornPublished 30th Apr 2023

Dorset Mind has expanded their ecotherapy group support, Eco in Mind, to three new sites across Dorset.

The new groups are targeted at specific groups – carers, families and friends of people living with dementia, NHS and Blue Light workers, and patients at a GP surgery.

The new sessions are being held at Ferndown with the Growing Compassionate Communities initiative; Shillingstone with The Big Yellow Bus Project; and Shaftesbury based at Abbey View GP Surgery, in connection with Shaftesbury in Bloom and the Blackmore Vale surgeries.

Ecotherapy is known to support better wellbeing - gardening just twice a week improves wellbeing and relieves stress.

National Mind describes ecotherapy as a ‘formal type of therapeutic treatment which involves doing outdoor activities in nature,’ something the Dorset branch of Mind deliver on their allotments.

The charity has seen positive outcomes from work on their established allotments in Dorchester and Weymouth, supporting local adults and young people – 100% of participants’ mood were improved or maintained over sessions (81 sessions delivered in 2021/22) and 100% people would recommend Eco in Mind’s support.

Sharon Best, Eco in Mind Development Coordinator said:

“I am so pleased that Eco in Mind will reach even more people across Dorset. We’re aiming to support different people such as carers, paramedics and Blue Light workers, alongside opening adult sessions in community growing spaces and a medical centre. This expansion will demonstrate how following the Five Ways to Wellbeing outside in nature supports mental wellbeing in the community.”

Linda O’Sullivan, Dorset Mind CEO said:

"Echoing what Sharon says, connection and being outside in nature are proven to fundamentally improve people’s wellbeing. By collaborating with chosen partners in different locations, we can develop what we’ve learnt from several years serving Dorchester and Weymouth – and roll this impactful service out across the county, helping normalise the conversation about mental health in our communities.”

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