GCV Green Network
Connecting Our Quality Spaces

Branching Out is an innovative project for adults who use mental health services within Glasgow and the Clyde Valley.

Branching Out was piloted by Forestry Commission Scotland at Cathkin Braes Country Park and Carmunnock. Both sites are on the outskirts of Glasgow, and offer a variety of environments for the project.

Greenspace is used as the setting for therapeutic activities designed to build self-esteem and confidence among clients, 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

The aim is to improve the quality of life of adults experiencing severe and enduring mental health problems. Clients engage in a range of activities such as woodland art, health walks, nature conservation and bushcraft designed to build confidence and social skills.

For each client, the service consists of approximately three hours of activities per week in a woodland setting. Clients work together in small groups of up to fifteen for a twelve-week period.

On completion of the course there is a graduation ceremony where clients receive certificates of completion, tool handling and achievement (e.g. The John Muir Award).

Lessons Learned

Several positive outcomes of the Branching Out project were highlighted during the project evaluation:

• Low dropout rates in a hard to reach population
• Significant increases in physical activity
• Strong trends towards improvement in health and wellbeing measures
• Self-reported improvements in confidence and self-esteem
• Cost effective intervention with a range of health care benefits for users.

The evaluation report recommends that mental health providers and clinical practitioners should give due consideration to adopting and supporting ecotherapy programmes as part of a wider menu of therapy options.

The Way Forward

The Partnership is keen to identify where greenspace managers, mental health providers and clinical practitioners can work together to deliver more Branching Out programmes across the GCV region.

Further information

• For a summary on Branching Out, download the Forestry Commission Scotland leaflet;
• For more information on the evaluation of Branching Out download the Executive Summary;
• For detailed information on the evaluation of Branching Out download the Full Evaluation Report; and
  
• If you are interested in setting up a Branching Out programme download the Branching Out  Resource Guide.