WACA & Get Out More Enterprise were successful with a recent Awards for All application to put on Wharfedale Breathing Spaces. 

The Wharfedale Breathing Spaces project will identify natural green spaces within Burley in Wharfedale, Ilkley, Addingham and Silsden and invite people to discover the health benefits of accessing nature. Get Out More Social Enterprise will run wellbeing walks incorporating Tai Chi, produce a booklet so that people can access the spaces on a self-guided basis and train volunteers in the nature walk techniques. The project is inspired by the Japanese practice of 'shinrin-yoku' (forest bathing), taking short leisurely strolls in woodland for health benefits.

The project aims to support people to get into nature to boost their mood and immunity, lower stress hormones and blood pressure and feel less anxious.  WACA social prescribers and other primary care staff will refer people to walks who are socially isolated and at risk of poor mental health such as depression and anxiety, particularly those who are anxious about going out or have been less active due to Covid 19 and who aren't currently accessing green spaces.

Anyone registered to a GP practice within Wharfedale will be eligible to join these sessions. To self refer or for more information about the Social Enterprise  please visit: Get Out More (getoutmorecic.co.uk)