The South Eastern Trust is highlighting the positive impact nature and social interaction can have on mental wellbeing, through its successful Greenspaces programme at Mount Stewart,
As Mental Health Awareness Week begins, bathed in Spring sunshine, a group enjoyed exploring the historic grounds and gardens as part of the eight-week programme, which is designed to support both physical and mental wellbeing through guided outdoor activities including planting, seeding and social interaction.
Delivered in partnership with the National Trust at Mount Stewart, the programme encourages people to spend time outdoors, learn new skills and connect with others in a calm and welcoming environment.
Having secured a last-minute place on the programme, Gwen Johnston shared how much she was enjoying the outdoor session. “I love coming to Mount Stewart and I love gardening and being out in the open spaces. The birds are singing, your hands are in the soil and as a widow, this is an opportunity to meet new people also.
“It is nice to join in in something like this and have people to chat to. I am so pleased I was able to get a place on the programme.”
South Eastern Trust, Senior Social Work Practitioner, Hannah Roach explained how the Trust has formed a, “Really important partnership with the National Trust and Mount Stewart for our Greenspaces programme.”
Hannah continued, “The programme is an opportunity for people to come and experience open, green spaces, the forest and formal garden area and ultimately have a sense of calm from the daily stress sensors that people may have in their lives.
“It has been an absolutely wonderful experience for our Service Users to hear from the people who work at Mount Stewart. They are learning new skills, they are connecting with people and they are being active all the while experiencing that sense of mindfulness and calm.”
Hannah described the response to the programme as excellent. “The Service Users are so keen. It is a pilot scheme and we are hoping to do another programme in the Autumn.”
South Eastern Trust, Senior Social Worker Practitioner, Andrea McGlennon added, “It has been lovely getting out and connecting with nature with our Service Users. During the first week of the programme, we took in the surroundings, we learned about the Estate and the history of the gardens. This week we are getting active and enjoying the sun on our faces, while we can!
“It has been fantastic to see people who have not met before coming together as a group, learning about what is around them. We can see how much those taking part are interested.
“This is a programme we hope to continue, the interest has been really fantastic.”