Outdoors for Well-being is an outdoor programme based on the holistic ethos of forest school, to support the mental health of young people with additional support needs, during a time of significant personal transition for them.

The sessions take place in a local accessible woodland and utilise the benefits of nature connection to support the well-being of the young people during this important time in their lives, helping them to take the next steps and transition onto the next stage of their life journey.

The programme aims to support young adults to be happy and confident, in the knowledge that they can build strong and healthy relationships with their peers and the wider world at large, through nurturing healthy curiosity, understanding of risk, self-discovery and development of positive relationships.

Our aim is to help provide positive strategies to support well-being during the transition journey for each individual young person.

Covid has had a huge impact on many young people and, for some, this has translated into difficulties and anxieties around transitions, which can include things like leaving school and moving on to further education, leaving further education or entering the world of work or volunteering or leaving care.

The Outdoors for Well-being programme was set up to support young people aged 16-24 years in Lanarkshire who have additional support needs or disabilities, and who may struggle to transition into new ventures such as this without some support.

Activities are not always prescriptive and  will depend on the needs of the group at any given session - they are varied and are led by the participants themselves. They can include, but are not limited to:

  • Learning over time about how to set up a camp, including setting up hammocks, swings and tarps.
  • Exploring the wider woodland, learning about nature along the way.
  • Learning about tool use - using a bow saw for log cutting, using loppers, mallets and hand saws, and knives for whittling - all of which help build confidence in abilities and encourage independence.
  • Foraging, including sourcing natural materials for craft or art projects.
  • Crafts such as hapazome, making slingshots, willow weaving,
  • Social activities - lounging in hammocks (a great activity to support sensory integration!) and chatting by the campfire.

 

Relationships are at the heart of OutLET  and we believe in supporting young people to work through feelings and communicate with each other in order to support their well being.

 

Programme Details

Outdoors for Well-being is a weekly programme, which runs for up to 8 weeks, where a small group of young adults join OutLET staff in a woodland setting to learn new skills and make new friends.

The group has a high leader-to-participant ratio so that we can support a range of needs. A maximum of 6 young people attend the programme.

Each session will last for 2 hours per week for a minimum of 8 weeks 

Please note OutLET cannot provide transport to and from the sessions.

Programme start in September and will run every Monday Afternoon from  1-3pm
It will take place RSPB Barons Haugh, Motherwell. 




Referral Criteria
Referrals are open for young people aged between 16 and 24 who have an additional support need or disability, and who would benefit from some support while they manage a significant period of transition. 

The programme is open to young people residing in North Lanarkshire.

Who can refer

  • Self
  • Parent / Carer
  • School
  • Social Work
  • Third sector agency with regular contact with the young person and/or family



Referral Process

  • Prior to making the referral, please discuss it with the young person and family
  • Complete our referral form
  • OutLET staff will then be in touch with the referrer and the nominated agency/family (depending on who made the referral)

  1. If suitable, consent will be completed and the  young person will be added to the participant list so that we can build a group around needs and relationship

If you have any questions about the referral process, please feel free to contact our office at 01698 209934 or, email office@outlet.scot

 

This programme is possible to due funding from the Community Mental Health and Well-being fund, administered by Voluntary Action North Lanarkshire