A first-of-its-kind accessible nature project in Scotland has been shortlisted for a national award. An NHS Tayside project to create the country’s first accessible nature prescription resources for adults with a learning disability has been named as a finalist in the RSPB Nature of Scotland Awards 2024. The ‘Prescribing Nature’ project was led by the Tayside learning disability occupational therapy service and brought together staff and patients from Craigmill Skills Centre at Strathmartine Centre and the Dundee community learning disability occupational therapy service.
In collaboration with RSPB Scotland, they developed a series of accessible, text-light seasonal resources, including visual aids like pictorial nature checklists and a nature-based wellbeing guide for staff. The group was delighted to hear the project has now been shortlisted for the RSPB Nature of Scotland Awards 2024 in the Health and Wellbeing category. READ MORE: Could this 'common sense' approach save the NHS? The innovative project combined healthcare and nature to enhance patients’ physical and mental wellbeing through tailored activities and experiences that promote mindfulness and happiness.
The resources are filled with clients' own words and experiences, showcasing their connection and commitment to nature. Lorna Strachan, Occupational therapy team lead, said: “Central to our approach was co-production, collaborating with patients and healthcare professionals from the outset. "Together w.