looking back
case study
Branching Out The Big Idea: Branching Out promotes physical activity in natural green spaces to boost the wellbeing and self esteem of people experiencing mental health problems. By developing and evaluating an ‘ecotherapy on referral’ approach the project's original aim was to test a methodology to provide the means for development of similar projects elsewhere. The pilot project was launched in 2008. Development: The Partnership was a catalyst for the project's development. Throught the Partnership's health thematic group the idea of Branching Out was devised. The Partnership's contribution to initial funding of the project proved an important factor in it's successful creation. The concept was developed by the GCV Green Network Partnership together with Forestry Commission Scotland, NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, and the Glasgow Centre for Population Health.
Branching Out today: • •
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Now delivering in 9 NHS board areas Greater Glasgow &Clyde, Ayrshire and Arran, Borders, Forth Valley, Lanarkshire, Lothians, Fife, Tayside and Highlands . Bespoke Branching Out leader trainering developed and endosed by NHS Health Scotland and over 70 people completed Branching Out Leader training. Branching Out currently has 16 different delivery partners helping to deliver the programme nationally Multi award winning – 2010 UK public health association award, 2010 Scottish Green Award, best green health care provider, 2012 RSPB innovation award, 2014 Physical Activity and Health Alliance award, 2014 Scottish Green apple award. Since 2008 has attracted over £450K of external funding. In 2013/14, 36 groups were delivered across Scotland. Heath practitioner training has being developed and piloted to skill up the health care staff who accompany their service users and patients to Branching Out On going economic evaluation of the programme.
GCV Green Network Partnership 125 West Regent Street, Glasgow G2 2SA t: 0141 229 7746 e: enquiries@gcvgreennetwork.gov.uk twitter: @gcvgreennetwork www.gcvgreennetwork.gov.uk