With WWT Wellbeing Project Officer Tim Kaye

Imagine being trapped inside a grain silo. It is dark and suffocating, and however hard you try to climb out, the walls are slippery and the grain shifts under your feet, causing you to slip and writhe at the bottom.

For people suffering with a mental health problem this is what attempts at recovery can be like.

But there is an alternative beyond the medication route, and that lies in being active outside and connecting with nature.

There is real scientific evidence behind this approach. The Biophillia Hypothesis (Edward O Wilson) proposes that as human beings, our bodies and minds are designed to be outdoors, in contact with nature and these are the sets of circumstances in which we can maximise a sense of wellbeing.

The Wellbeing programme funded by Wiltshire County Council Public Health runs three days a week, providing activities such as green woodworking, conservation work and wildlife walks for people referred by their GP or mental health service.

More than half of participants go on to paid work, permanent volunteer roles or education.

Bisi New, Wellbeing Programme officer, said: “Getting outside and doing or making something familiar or new, either with people or on your own, and learning and being physically active can keep us all healthy in body and mind and improve a sense of wellbeing. Volunteering is a great way to practise wellbeing.”

One of the volunteers on the programme said: “It is difficult to keep a sense of dignity when you are ill and this is a fantastic way to do it.”

Another said: “It’s better than any form of medication – it’s not possible to put a monetary value on the work that Wiltshire Wildlife Trust does.”

At the moment, the programme does not run in Swindon but that is all about to change.

Wiltshire Wildlife Trust is organising taster days in Swindon. So if you suffer from mental health, physical or wellbeing problems whether long or short term, please come along on either Monday, November 3 at Stanton Park or Monday, November 10 at Coate Water. Both events are being supported by Swindon Council’s Ranger Team.

Booking is essential on wellbeing@wiltshirewildlife.org or call 01380 736099.

If you can’t make it then the Wildlife Trust is looking for help in completing a questionnaire which will determine the level of interest in working in Swindon. To give your feedback, visit surveymonkey.com/s/557FQ97.