Ullapool families to benefit from £87k funding for wellbeing through nature
Families in the Ullapool High School catchment area are set to benefit from £87,000 in funding to support family wellbeing through nature connection. The money will support a two year project called ‘Stepping Stones’, aimed at improving wellbeing through pathways into nature-based activities.
The Whole Family Wellbeing Programme is a national Scottish Government initiative aimed at supporting a range of services to help families meet their individual needs, to thrive and to stay together.
A mission to achieve better mental and physical health for all has been developed through consultations led by Lochbroom and Ullapool Community Trust (LUCT), in partnership with NHS Highland.
Mamta Patel, chairperson of LUCT said: “Lochbroom is treasured for its inland and coastal lochs, hills, mountains and paths. But while these are used by many, not all are able to access the improved mental and physical wellbeing opportunities offered. We are delighted and grateful that the Whole Family Wellbeing Programme has recognised the contributions our natural assets can make to our wellbeing”.
Ailsa Villegas, Health Improvement Specialist within the NHS Highland Health Improvement team states that: “Time in nature can help to keep us healthier for longer, can build communities of support and enhance our physical and mental wellbeing. This project will trial community supported pathways into nature that will support existing healthcare led pathways. As such, we hope to reach more people and, through training, advice and support, and to provide early intervention should crisis occur.”
The project will be evaluated with support from the University of the Highlands and Islands. This hopes to demonstrate how such a model could support healthcare-led pathways for treatment and care.
Local GP Katie Walter saids: “At the heart, most social determinants of health don’t have a medical solution, but a social one: connection, support, skills development, contact with our natural environment, access to educational resources, all these are small steps to increase the health and happiness in our community, and tighten our social connections and the web that supports us all.”
