Today The Hampton Trust Ecotherapy project for young people based in Shide, celebrates the win of a £10,000 Ecomindsgrant from the mental health charity Mind, on behalf of the Big Lottery Fund.
The award comes in recognition of the Trust’s invaluable work to date, supporting local young people on the island with experience of mental health problems, by using nature activities as a form of therapy.
The money, the Trust’s second Ecominds grant, will enable continuation of this work and set the project up for long term success and sustainability.
Effective alternatives to medication
Research shows being in the outdoor environment can be as effective as antidepressants in treating mild to moderate anxiety and depression – and is available locally without the waiting times, costs or negative side effects associated with many other treatment options.
The Ecominds grant will help the Hampton Trust project respond to this demand, against the difficult backdrop of budget cuts, changes to service commissioning and increased public demand for mental health support.
GPs are starting to recognise the role outdoor projects like the Trust’s Ecotherapy work can play in the treatment of people with mental health problems, and so the need for these services is increasing.
Thrilled to continue support
Dr Kim Brown, Chief Executive of the Hampton Trust says: “We are thrilled to be able to continue supporting those who take part in our Ecotherapy project each week. For our participants the project is a chance to meet new people, learn new skill, build self esteem and escape the isolation many young people feel every day.
“We have welcomed over 200 young people from the island into our project in the last two years and, thanks to this second Ecominds grant from Mind, will be able to help many more young people experiencing mental health problems or who are at risk of developing problems, in the months ahead.”
Long-term support at a local level
Paul Farmer, Chief Executive of Mind said, “This additional burst of Big Lottery funding presents Ecominds projects with an incredible opportunity to provide long-term support at a local level, for those who need it most. Outdoor therapy has become a life line for many, offering an alternative form of treatment that can be maintained for life.
“It is fantastic that projects can now rise to the very real challenge of uncertainty and change in service provision nationally. We are excited to continue our work with projects over the coming year as they develop to fulfil the grant objectives and support those in their communities.”
Island centre one of 87
The Island Hampton Trust Ecotherapy Centre at Shide is one of only 87 nature projects in England to receive secondary Ecominds awards from Mind today, thanks to a further £2 million from the Big Lottery Fund.
Evaluation of the Ecominds scheme, since it started in 2010, shows the clear social and economic impact of the programme – with participants reporting improved physical and mental well-being, thousands moving onto further volunteering, training or paid work; and across the country, communities experiencing improved access to green spaces.
