We will deliver a 26 week programme over 3 years for adults in need to overcome their mental health issues using our range of engaging outdoor activities. We will offer this programme free of service to help an increasing and alarming number of people in our community suffering for poor mental health. We will use our outdoor activities as a healing process for people. We will help people to learn, connect with others, enhance their confidence, be active and develop a sense of hope and opportunity. Our Active Well-Being project will offer a range of engaging active outdoor activities. This will include, canoeing, cycling, hill walks, woodland crafting and cooking and rock climbing. Within these activities are opportunities for people to learn specific skills and gain recognised skills. Furthermore, the combination of being active within a natural setting, socially bonding in small groups and developing skills will greatly assist in improving participant's mental health.

What we'll deliver:

• Deliver 26 outdoor well-being sessions each year for 3 years
• Deliver recognised Skills courses for people to gain certificates
• Deliver a community planned residential trip to enhance people's personal and social skills
• Provide all specialist outdoor equipment, transport and resources free of charge
• Provide opportunities for participants to become peer mentors and volunteering opportunities

Why it's a great idea:

The benefits our project will bring include, developing people's mental, social and physical health. We will give people positive, healthy, social and active experiences. This will positively impact on people's well-being. We know from feedback, official social data and community information there is a significant social, economic and emotional challenge to people in our community. This is having a negative impact on their emotional well-being and in turn their physical health. People in our community are struggling to get professional help, services and support. We know from feedback that some people are desperate to obtain a fulfilling life and are need to access positive experiences. In some circumstances people have resorted to self-harm and indeed suicide. The North East of England has some of the highest rates of suicide in England and is consistently increasing year on year. Our programme is based on years of delivery within the Tyne and Wear area. We know it works.

Steps to get it done:

• Deliver a 26 week Active Well-Being programme
• Deliver two outdoor themed Skills courses
• Engage with up to 8 people per activity day
• Provide volunteering opportunities for up to 10 people
• Purchase plants and trees to improve our wildlife site
• Network and engage with wide range of partners throughout Tyne and Wear

The Active Well-Being project is regarded as the medicine you can't get from your Doctor. It is a non-medical intervention that provides organised, active and social services to people who would not normally get the opportunity to access due to cost, resources, skills or confidence. We know from many years of delivery the positive impact we have on people and help them on their personal journey to leading a positive, healthy and meaningful life. We help people gain a sense of hope and achievement. People will grow and develop using the natural environment. Thus people's community and society will also benefit.