WOODLAND WONDERS
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Cavan mental health service users return to Woodlands for Health
n our attempts to get back to normality, this summer in Cavan saw the return of the Woodlands for Health programme. There were several happy faces when the news was announced that the programme would be returning after lockdown. Woodlands for Health helps to encourage people to get-together for a social activity that involves moderate exercise, all while enjoying the beautiful woods and forests of their locality. This programme has been proven to be beneficial for people’s mental and physical wellbeing. “Thirteen service users from around the county took part in the 10-week programme. It was challenging for all involved - from getting used to being COVID-compliant during our bus trips to following hand hygiene and mask wearing while serving refreshments. It was really positive to see the high turnout and how people pulled together to make it a success,” explained occupational therapist Jay Seetharaman. “The various Woodlands walks took us all around the county, to places like Cootehill, Lough Gowna, Bailieborough, Blacklion. Led each week by Noel, our fantastic tour guide, all fitness levels were catered for. Stories were told about the history and folklore of the woodlands that we visited. We learned about things like the restoration of the Dawson Mausoleum at Dartrey Forest, about how Castlesaunderson overlooks the border with Northern Ireland, and about the unique landscape of the Cavan Burren. There was no shortage of humour either, and Noel gave as good as he got. “Many a conversation was had - everything from the weather to the GAA to hybrid cars was chatted about (and of course... COVID). There was no shortage of interesting topics for people to chat about. Speaking of the weather, it didn’t rain once during our 10 walks - unbelievable! No social outing is complete without the obligatory cuppa and of course, a healthy snack. We even got to celebrate the birthday of two participants with birthday cake and song.” The programme is a partnership between several organisations and efforts of the following: Dean McElroy, Sports Inclusion Development Officer at Cavan Sports Partnership; Miffy Hoad, Development
Officer at Mental Health Ireland; Noel Cassidy, our Tour Guide; Jay Seetharaman, Occupational Therapist; and Finian McNamara, OT Assistant, both from Cavan Monaghan Mental Health service. Access to the woodlands is provided by Coillte. Last but not least, the service users expressed their appreciation to the all staff
for the opportunity to take part. Likewise, the staff wish to give a huge thanks to all service users who made the programme so worthwhile - see you at the next Woodlands walk! Plans are now afoot for our next big event - the Kickstart to Recovery soccer programme.
PROGRAMME ‘A GREAT EXAMPLE OF PARTNERSHIP WORKING’ Woodlands for Health is an innovative development initiated by Coillte based around walking or exercising in groups in nature. It is a 12-week free guided walking programme in a wooded area and open to participants attending the Adult Mental Health services. It is modelled on Branching out which was successfully applied by the Forestry Commission in Scotland. In Ireland it was initially developed in partnership with the Wicklow Mental Health Services, Wicklow Mental Health Association and Mental Health Ireland. The first programme launched in 2012. In Kildare West Wicklow, the Occupational Therapy department launched the first programme in September 2020. This programme met many obstacles due to COVID-19 and lockdowns. However, even with the challenges, the outcomes for the participants were very positive. Organisers are now extremely excited to be part of the second Woodlands for Health programme in Donadea Forest which commenced in September. “As occupational therapists working in the mental health services, we focus very much on the importance of increasing activity and engagement with others. This programme is also a great example of partnership working,” said one of the OTs. “The occupational therapy department in the mental health service working with Kildare Sport Partnership, Coillte and Mental Health Ireland have combined our resources to provide an opportunity for individuals who experience mental health challenges to walk in a nature-based environment, which for us is the beautiful setting of Donadea forest. The programme will run over 12 weeks bringing us right up to December 2021.”
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