The Forest of Avon is one of England’s 15 Community Forests, bringing people and nature together. The Health Lottery Foundation has funded their Woodland Wellbeing Project.
Meeting people impacted by heart problems
We were privileged to meet heart patients and their families, as well as health professionals and volunteers who have been taking part in the project we’ve helped to fund.
The Woodland Wellbeing Project provides opportunities for those who’ve experienced a cardiac event (heart attack, heart disease) and their families to:
- Address the psychological / emotional impact of heart problems
- Experience the benefit of being out in nature, and how nature connection can improve wellbeing
- Learn gentle nature-based techniques to support exercise and relaxation
- Get practical advice to deal with low mood
The project is delivered in partnership with University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust and North Bristol NHS Trust’s cardiac rehabilitation teams.
Delva Patman, The Health Lottery CEO said,
“It is clear that the impact of taking part in such an immersive rehabilitation programme outdoors has been significant for many participants. Being surrounded by nature, rather than a hospital environment clearly offers a much more soothing space to recover from the significant trauma of a cardiac event. It has been fantastic to meet the people our funding has benefited and gratifying to see face-to-face the difference it has made.”
Bringing trees and people together to improve health and wellbeing
Working in Bristol, Bath, North East Somerset, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire, The Forest of Avon supports people who face barriers to gain access to natural spaces. Their Health & Wellbeing Programme works with partner organisationsto facilitate projects for people with particular health needs.
The Health & Wellbeing Programme has successfully delivered projects that benefit over 1,500 people with health conditions since 2011. This includes people impacted by dementia, mental health challenges and most recently those who have experienced a cardiac event.
Evidence from research commissioned by the British Heart Foundation found that 58% of people living with heart and circulatory diseases felt sad, down or depressed and 59% experienced feelings of anxiety, fear or uncertainty about the future
£15K to support The Forest of Avon
Thanks to players of The Health Lottery, £15,000 has been awarded to The Forest of Avon. This is for people receiving cardiac rehabilitation from North Bristol NHS Trust and University Hospitals Bristol and Weston Trust. It offers emotional support, alongside exercise and practical advice.
If you would like to know more about The Forest of Avon visit their website and follow them on social media.
Website: www.forestofavon.org
Instagram: www.instagram.com/forestofavon
Facebook: www.facebook.com/forestofavontrust
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/forest-of-avon-trust