Ecotherapy at St Nicks
Ecotherapy promotes good mental and physical wellbeing through outdoor activity in the natural environment. At St Nicks Ecotherapy is offered through various group activities which are underpinned by one-to one mentoring support. Activities include Bearing Fruit (conservation skills), Discover Nature, Nordic Walking, Creative Writing, Woodworking, Eco Book Club, Get Gardening and Plot to Plate. Read on to find out about the benefits of Ecotherapy, how it works at St Nicks, and to download an enrolment form.
“Walking through the gates of St Nicks is like walking into an oasis of acceptance and support. It brings a sense of calm and peace that only nature can provide”
Benefits of Ecotherapy
Since 2015, 90% of our Ecotherapy participants have reported significant improvements in their overall mental and physical wellbeing. They also reported:
- Reduction in stress levels
- Reduction in depression and anxiety
- Improved self-esteem
- Increased levels of physical activity
- Better resilience
- Enhanced social interaction
- Confidence boosted through the learning of new skills
- Feelings of happiness by positively contributing towards the environment
How Ecotherapy works at St Nicks
- All group activities are led by qualified and experienced tutors.
- All participants have access to one-to-one mentor support alongside group activities.
- Nature-centred activities occur both on and off site, and are free to participants.
- The programme offers both year round and season specific activities.
- Activity groups are timetabled around the lunch hour encouraging increased social opportunities.
- Participant engagement can be up to two years, with opportunities to stay involved longer through our award-winning volunteer programme.
- To join, download an Enrolment Form and send it to ecotherapy@stnicks.org.uk. Please note, there is currently a waiting list (as of July 2018), but places do come up.
Interested? Want to know more?
Please see this page for more details on Ecotherapy activities at St Nicks, watch the video below to see it in practice and/or contact Kathy Sturgess on 01904 411821 or email ecotherapy@stnicks.org.uk
The project is funded by the Big Lottery Fund, with additional funding from Purey Cust Trust CIO and Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust in partnership with Your Consortium.
