One of England’s 15 community forests, the charity is dedicated to bringing people and nature together.
This grant, awarded by The Health Lottery Foundation, will specifically support people receiving cardiac rehabilitation from North Bristol NHS Trust and University Hospitals Bristol and Weston Trust.
Working in Bristol, Bath, North East Somerset, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire, The Forest of Avon supports people who face barriers to gain access to natural spaces. Their Health & Wellbeing Programme works with partner organisations to facilitate projects for people with particular health needs.
The Health & Wellbeing Programme has successfully delivered projects that benefit over 1,500 people with health conditions since 2011. This includes people impacted by dementia, mental health challenges and, most recently, those who have experienced a cardiac event. Evidence from research commissioned by the British Heart Foundation found that 58 per cent of people living with heart and circulatory diseases felt sad, down or depressed and 59% experienced feelings of anxiety, fear or uncertainty about the future
Martin Ellice, CEO of The Health Lottery, said: “This is exactly the kind of project we want to support – one that boosts wellbeing while protecting our natural environment. By playing The Health Lottery, people are helping communities thrive and making a real difference to health and wellbeing projects across Great Britain.”
Thanks to players of The Health Lottery, the funding will help the Forest of Avon charity create and maintain local woodlands while delivering community-based activities that improve health and wellbeing. Participants can spend time in nature, learn woodland management skills, and enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of outdoor activity.