19 Jul 2024
We've just published the results of a ground breaking new study which sets out a collective vision for integrating nature-based health and wellbeing at the Bro Ddyfi Community Hospital in Machynlleth!
The study was led by Coed Lleol/Small Woods in partnership with Ecodyfi and was guided by representatives from the Patients Forum, Powys Association for Voluntary Organisations (PAVO), Rural Health and Care Wales, Machynlleth Town Council and Powys Teaching Health Board.
A key finding is that there is significant enthusiasm from both the community and hospital staff for nature-based wellbeing activities alongside (rather than at the expense of) clinical services, to help address health needs, particularly mental health, mobility and chronic illness.
These activities would include woodland skills, cooking and foraging, accessible walking and movement, arts and crafts and nature mindfulness. Many of them could be ‘on prescription’ for patients, with the Bro Ddyfi Community Hospital providing inspiration for how green social prescribing could work at other healthcare sites.
Over 600 people across Bro Ddyfi took part in the study, participating in 20 nature-based and outdoor wellbeing activities and completing a survey at local hot spots. Now the resulting recommendations provide a path for realising their vision, by bringing together local organisations, volunteers and Bro Dyfi Community Hospital to develop a programme of outdoor health activities at the hospital and across the valley!
Rosie Strang, Mid Wales Coordinator for Coed Lleol / Small Woods said:
“Evidence shows that nature can transform our health - improving our mental health, increase lifespans and reducing chronic disease. Since the study, activities have already started happening at the hospital such as Nature Health Walk Leader training for community volunteers this summer”
You can download the full report or a summary here.
