Wellbeing

Supporting improved wellbeing for communities through connection with nature.

Improving Wellbeing Through Nature

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.

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.

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

Conservation activities

Therapeutic Horticulture

That focus on appreciation of beauty and diversity whilst exploring mindfulness activities in restorative surroundings.

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. 

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.

Wellbeing Mailing List

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More Information

You can find more information about our Wellbeing programs by: