Wildlife, weaving and working together - an immersive day for social prescribers

3 Aug 2022

Back in July, Coed Lleol RCT ran a very successful immersive day for Interlink staff at the Glyncornel Centre in Llwynypia. Interlink are a members-run charity based in Rhondda Cynon Taf, who support people to improve their health and wellbeing through community activities and local services. 

The purpose of the event was to develop a professional connection between Coed Lleol staff and Interlink social prescribers (wellbeing co-ordinators) which will aid the referral process.Staff were able to experience what we offer in our woodland wellbeing sessions and to see the real benefits of delivering activities in open green spaces. 

In total, 21 staff came along to spend a day together trying their hand at fire lighting, mindfulness, wildlife and plant ID and willow weaving. The feedback we received was remarkably positive and a testament to the effectiveness of these events:

“I learnt how to make fire and charcoal and about how to identify butterflies and moths.  I love the whole day and felt relaxed.  The takeaway for me is to engage in nature and practice more mindfulness” 

“I have learnt lots about different bugs, flowers and the story behind them and how to light fire and make artistic charcoal. I enjoyed mixing with my colleagues and will go out and enjoy the outdoors more often."

 “I would like to express our appreciation and gratitude for the wonderful experiences you and your Coed Lleol colleagues provided for us today at our away day.  We all had a wonderfully restorative time with you, your team were brilliant-expertly and potently facilitating experiential leaning experiences for us whilst allowing much needed space for us to be together in the great outdoors after a sustained period of confinement!  We have all benefited immensely and look forward to working with you all going forward-we made some great connections with your staff & plans are afoot to work together.”  
 
To find out more about outdoor health and social prescribing, click here or watch our short film here: https://www.smallwoods.org.uk/en/coedlleol/what-we-do/outdoor-health-and-social-prescribing/