What we do and why we do it
Positive Steps Outdoors is a local social enterprise that promotes positive mental and physical health by connecting people to our majestic upland, moorland and forested environments, and each other. We help communities and employees manage life’s pressures, build sustainable networks, strengthen future resilience and deepen their affinity with the environment. Our ‘green therapy’ services comprise tailored hikes in iconic locations, supporting positive mental health at an early stage or when overcoming negative mental health.
The community participants in our programmes include those living with PTSD, people overcoming addiction, individuals moving on from negative mental health and vulnerable refugees. In some cases, they have not left urban areas in months or years. They may have no prior experience of the outdoors environment, minimal disposable income, and limited friendship networks. The private and public sector employees that join us have busy roles, might be experiencing stress and anxiety and be struggling with work / life balance. Often time poor, with periods of low energy and self-esteem, they can feel isolated and worried with limited support to call on. PSO offers these individuals unique opportunities to feel recharged, to increase their awareness of the benefits of physical activity in the outdoors, improve their social and work connections and wider support networks, helping to address feelings of seclusion, while gaining greater environmental awareness.
By connecting individuals within and across communities and organisations, including employee and community interactions, people are brought together, families, friends, work colleagues and strangers alike, lives refreshed, minds and thinking focused, priorities recalibrated, and networks strengthened like nothing else. These experiences encourage people as they develop strategies to cope and achieve in life and work, be that early-stage prevention or when moving on from negative mental health. We also provide the space for serendipity, whereby individuals, communities and employees identify opportunities to collaborate. Don’t just take our word for it. Below are what those taking part have to say:
“I really enjoyed the walk – I can’t recommend it highly enough! The leader was a wealth of information and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience”
“What a beautiful day I had. The scenery was stunning, the pace was perfect, and the company was fab!”
“Great day out thanks so much!! Made a lovely change from the office and it was really enjoyable – I will sleep tonight!!”
“The team had great energy and I thoroughly enjoyed the day out. It was light hearted and fun! Thank you very much”
”I was refreshed, revived and renewed physically, mentally, emotionally and most importantly spiritually. It was indeed a great experience!”
The next stage in our journey is on the horizon. We have bid for funding from the National Lottery and a financial institute’s foundation and received support to buy equipment from the Alpkit Foundation, which will enable us to deliver further programmes over the spring and summer 2023. We will also hold a green therapy event in Belfast on the 19 May 23 for community group, charity and businesses leaders, health and wellbeing and human resources managers . The event comprises a morning exploring mental health and green therapy followed by a walk in the Belfast Hills (more to come on this shortly). If you are interested in exploring how green therapy services can benefit your organisation, would like to know more about opportunities for leaders and volunteers or are keen to find out about our launch event please get in touch.