National Lottery funding secures nature-based mental health support in local parks
We are delighted to share that The National Lottery Community Fund has awarded us £353k to continue our Roots to Wellbeing programme across Bristol and Bath.
This support means we can keep running weekly nature-based mental health sessions in neighbourhood parks, providing safe, welcoming spaces for people experiencing anxiety, depression, loneliness and other mental health challenges.
What are the lottery funding?
Over the next three years the programme will run weekly small-group sessions in four parks in Bristol and Bath.
Each session will support people to take part in gentle outdoor activities such as conservation, crafts, walking and mindfulness. Sessions focus on routine, confidence and connection, helping people build habits that support their wellbeing long after the programme ends.
Why this matters
We know access to consistent, local support changes lives. Previous participants tell us they feel calmer, more connected and more able to manage everyday challenges after attending.
Our outcomes show:
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93% of people feel less lonely and less anxious
82% of people feel happier
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79% of people begin using their local park regularly as part of maintaining their mental health
One participant shared:
“After 50 years of suffering I finally felt acceptance with others and myself… this group takes positive action to ensure your journey to better wellbeing is maintained.”
Thank you
We are incredibly grateful to National Lottery players for making this possible. Their support allows us to continue offering free, local and preventative mental health support rooted in community and nature.
By investing in parks and people together, this funding helps ensure local green spaces are not just places to pass through, but places where recovery, confidence and community can grow.
