COMMUNITIES

Collaborating with local communities and scientific partners

Our mental health is shaped by our environments and experiences, much of which is out of our control. The climate crisis, cost of living crisis, and additional pressures continue to create new mental health risks for people and communities throughout Scotland. For this reason, the Scottish Government has undertaken a consultation and is preparing to draft a new Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy for Scotland. (Source: the Mental Health Foundation.)

• 6 out of 10 adults (59%) said that the cost of living crisis has had a negative impact on their mental health

• Survey responses included anxiety, depression and feelings of hopelessness as common symptoms

• Mental health problems cost the Scottish economy £8.8 billion (2019 (Source: mentalhealth.org.uk)

By partnering with charities supporting some of the most vulnerable in Scotland, the Scottish Seabird Centre can help individuals and communities access the many mental health and wellbeing benefits of time spent in nature.

Volunteering has also been shown to be beneficial for mental health, providing structure and routine, building a sense of civic pride, and offering opportunities to make friends (Source: Mental Health Foundation UK). Nature-based volunteering helps improve the local environment while also strengthening a sense of community pride and ownership.

Our goal is to ensure that people have a positive engagement with our work, leading to positive impacts for individuals and increased motivation to help conserve Scotland’s seabirds and marine environment.

4 wildlife and wellbeing sessions providing health benefits to 26 people experiencing mental health issues

250 people involved in protecting our local coastline through self-led and community beach cleans, removing 31 bags of litter

Nature-based sessions aiming to build confidence and reduce isolation engaging 21 BME individuals and families new to Scotland

300 people engaged via 7 Seabird Social events, connecting new audiences with the marine world and making use of our venue as a community resource

Supporting 14 care home residents to experience coastal wildlife and landscapes through 2 tailored visits