Outdoor Therapy Service (Venture Trust)

Who is this for?

• People aged between 16 and 25 years old, and ex-service personnel

Who provides this?

• Venture Trust

Description

Venture Trust aims to support people by combining the full range of benefits from time in nature and the outdoors with professional therapy to improve mental health and wellbeing.

Outdoor Therapy is delivered in urban outdoor and green spaces such as parks, community gardens, woodlands, beaches or local hills. It can help people gain perspective and reflect on past or current life events that are troubling. Metaphors offered by nature may develop into insight on feelings, relationships and experiences.

This will be delivered by Venture Trust’s team of dedicated and qualified therapists, including trainee therapists where appropriate. For many people, outdoor therapy may be more suitable than traditional therapeutic settings. You can connect with nature in your local areas building a connection to place and community.

The service involves 12 weekly ‘walk and talk’ sessions (50 mins). Sessions are delivered year-round and in a range of weather conditions, so access to suitably warm/waterproof clothing and footwear is helpful, but not essential. During extreme weather, the session will revert to online/phone. Locations for sessions will be agreed upon at a suitable outdoor space with you.

Venture Trust’s team have specialist knowledge and are experienced in working outdoors with the difficulties you might be facing. These include, but are not limited to: 

• mental health and wellbeing difficulties
• violence and aggression
• depression
• relationship and family difficulties
• anxiety and stress
• grief and trauma
• loneliness and social isolation
• problem substance use

How do I access this?

• Self-referrals
• Referrals by third parties

If you have questions about outdoor therapy or want to find out more about this service for yourself or a potential referral, please email therapy@venturetrust.org.uk. To make a referral, please complete this online form: Outdoor Therapy Referral Form.

Is there a cost?

Free

Is there a waiting list?

Waiting list is possible depending on demand

Location information

• Public parking available

Opening times

Sessions may be delivered outside of these times if agreed between you and thr therapist