The Forest Families Programme was developed in partnership with the Social Work Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) at Garvagh Health Centre during the first lockdown, with the first sessions delivered in Garvagh Forest in the summer of 2020. This initiative provided families with the opportunity to reconnect, engage in outdoor activities, and improve their wellbeing in a natural environment.

Following the success in Garvagh a second strand of the programme was developed in collaboration with the MDT from the Western Health and Social Care Trust (WHSCT). This aspect of the programme aimed to extend the benefits of nature-based activities to families across the region and to support the MDT professionals in applying outdoor approaches to their social work practice.

An evaluation of the Forest Families Programme was completed to assess its impact. Families shared positive feedback, and key outcomes included:

• Increased Family Engagement: Families reported higher participation in shared outdoor activities, with noticeable improvements in communication and interaction.
• Mental Health Benefits: Many families shared that spending time outdoors helped reduce stress and anxiety, offering them a much-needed break and the chance to enjoy nature.
• Strengthened Parenting Skills: Families felt more confident in their parenting roles, with the guidance of the MDT teams offering valuable support.

Additionally, training sessions for the MDT from WHSCT were held in Roe Valley Country Park, helping social workers gain confidence in incorporating outdoor activities into their practice. This training has equipped professionals with new ways to support families and encourage positive engagement through nature.

For a full evaluation report, you can view the document here.