Primary - Securing health benefits 2011 Branching Out

Branching Out - greenspace and conservation on referral, is an award winning innovative partnership development for adults who use mental health services within Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

For each client, the service consists of approximately three hours of activities per week in a woodland setting over a 12-week period. The clients take part in a variety of activities during these 12 weeks, including:

• Physical activity e.g. health walks and tai chi
• Conservation activities e.g. rhododendron clearance and willow coppicing,
• Bushcraft, e.g. fire lighting and shelter building
• Environmental art e.g. photography and willow sculptures

On completion of the course there is a graduation ceremony where clients receive certificates of completion, tool handling and achievement. Evaluation of the project showed that it can be used effectively as an additional form of treatment in a secondary and tertiary care mental health population. The cost per head was under £50 per day offering excellent value for money.

Branching Out has won two awards:

• the UKPHA Michael Varnam Health, Humanity and Environment Award 2010.
• 'Best Green Healthcare Provider' at the Scottish Green Awards 2010

The service was developed as a result of a partnership between Forestry Commission Scotland, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Glasgow & Clyde Valley Green Network Partnership, Glasgow Centre for Population Health and Glasgow City Council.

For details of how the project was set up, see Branching Out - Greenspace on referral