Ynysybwl Regeneration Partnership
LEAN, GREEN & HEALTHY
A Social Prescribing project that worked with local GP practises encouraging the prescription of social or physical community activity. Supporting patients Health and Well Being through the provision of outdoor activities local to Ynysybwl including Llanwonno.
About
Lean, Green and Healthy was a green social prescribing project funded by Natural Resources Wales Our Community Connector – Dave Harris- came into post at the beginning of November 2018, initial work included networking with various agencies to raise awareness of the project. Space had been agreed in the local GP’s surgeries and Dave met and chatted to patients about Lean, Green and Healthy in the surgery waiting room.
After only a few weeks the numbers of people coming along to the Daerwynno activity sessions began to increase and a regular group of eight people now attended. The group gained so much from this experience “I can’t wait for Monday mornings”, from this Ynysybwl Strollers was formed, Dave and a local volunteer Kath Price have undertook volunteer walk training allowing the group to meet fortnightly and use the paths around the village and forestry for gentle walks.
Members of this group have now indicated that they would like to try more challenging walks, consequently the possibility of establishing an intermediate walking group is being examined. On January 19th the Ynysybwl Strollers linked up with the Vision’s Paths and Trails steering group to launch the first village trail – The Fish Pond Walk, this allowed for the group to meet with other groups, such as the Clydach Ramblers.
Along with benefitting from an increase in physical activity from taking part in Lean, Green and Healthy activities there are also demonstrable benefits to mental health “I feel like a new woman.” The group is incredibly supportive of one another and new friendships have been made.
Along with Ynysybwl Strollers a second walking group has been formed for parents/carers, babies and buggies – Ynysybwl Mini Strollers. This group came into being through networking with local playgroups who identified a need for such a group. A number of parents/carers wanted to be active in the outdoors but didn’t feel confident being out on their own. Mini Strollers provide an opportunity for parents/carers to be active in the outdoors by being part of a friendly group undertaking accessible walks and gaining confidence to explore the outdoors. As with the Ynysybwl Strollers, this group provides a supportive environment for mums, dads, grandparents and carers to chat about the joys and challenges of bringing up children. Mini strollers are now an independent group who meet Thursdays ( weather permitting), at 10.00am at the entrance to the Lady Windsor trail.
Lean, green and Healthy ended in December 2019, it engaged with over 200 people providing a variety of green activities including activity days and new group activities. We would like to thank Natural Resources Wales for funding the project and everyone who has taken part.