Improving wellbeing through nature
Participating in landcare activities can improve individuals’ social connections, mental health, wellbeing and recovery.
Landcare volunteers experience a sense of revitalising community and purpose. Landcare ACT supports the delivery of various programs which contribute to improved wellbeing outcomes for communities and landcarers.
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Nature Connection
The Wellbeing through Nature program concluded at the start of 2024, with:
101 core activities
1304 attendances
including
50 guided walks
38 conservation activities
8 therapeutic horticulture activities, and
5 intensive Deepening Nature Connection sessions
This program was supported by the ACT Government under the ACT Health Promotion Grants Program.
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Good for your mental health and wellbeing
Researchers from the University of Canberra conducted a mid-point evaluation of the program, including feedback from 168 participants.
The results were overwhelmingly positive.
94% of respondents felt the program helped them to connect to the local environment
75% agreed that the program helped them to feel more connected to others
91% felt the program was good for their mental health, and
94% thought the program was good for their overall wellbeing
This program is supported by the ACT Government under the ACT Health Promotion Grants Program.
Spiritual Connection
For Aboriginal people, the connection with the land is difficult to put into words. Getting out onto country is a healing process both physically and mentally…Caring for country is more than natural resource management and participating in Landcare activities. It is a spiritual reconnection and revitalisation which is vital for our wellbeing,” said Wally Bell, Ngunawal Elder and Board Member, Landcare ACT.
Spiritual Connection
For Aboriginal people, the connection with the land is difficult to put into words. Getting out onto country is a healing process both physically and mentally…Caring for country is more than natural resource management and participating in Landcare activities. It is a spiritual reconnection and revitalisation which is vital for our wellbeing,” said Wally Bell, Ngunawal Elder and Board Member, Landcare ACT.
Wellbeing through Nature
The Wellbeing through Nature program taps into the transformative and healing potential of nature. Aspects of the program include:
Walks in Nature
That focus on appreciation of beauty and diversity whilst exploring mindfulness activities in restorative surroundings.
Conservation activities
Participants will work alongside existing Landcare groups to conserve, restore and protect nature. This may include plantings, monitoring waterways etc. Caring for nature is also an act of self-care.
Therapeutic Horticulture
Working with plants on a more personal level to support wellbeing.
Partaking in propagation activities to cultivate native plants for habitat restoration projects.
Programs are open to all Canberrans and will be offered free of charge or at a low cost. Specialised programs will be developed to engage participants of diverse ages and backgrounds (including youth and older persons).
Visit the calendar for details on events and activities.
Improving wellbeing
Landcare is more than just caring for the environment. It is about improving the wellbeing of Canberrans. I can't emphasise enough on the importance of Landcare, especially for the culturally and linguistically diverse community,” said Rajvir Kaur, Landcare volunteer – North Belconnen.
Improving wellbeing
Landcare is more than just caring for the environment. It is about improving the wellbeing of Canberrans. I can't emphasise enough on the importance of Landcare, especially for the culturally and linguistically diverse community,” said Rajvir Kaur, Landcare volunteer – North Belconnen.
Wellbeing Mailing List
If you would like to hear about all the latest from Wellbeing through Nature program, please complete the form below.
More information
You can find more information about our Wellbeing programs by:
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