AN ARGYLL charity has been awarded £195,500 to deliver new initiative ‘Branching Out’

Argyll and the Isles Coast and Countryside Trust (ACT) will use the money to provide an opportunity for people with long-term mental health conditions to take part in a 12-week programme of woodland activities.

The money awarded by Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland will allow the charity and Branching Out Argyll partners NHS and FCS to carry out the programme with specialist trainers and community mental health teams.

Yennie Van Oostende of NHS Highland and ACT Trustee said: “It is fantastic to now be in a position to run this innovative programme which focuses on offering an outdoor experience, developing new skills and a new way of working in the mental health service to improve health and wellbeing.

“ACT has received so much support for the Branching Out Argyll idea from the NHS, Forestry Commission Scotland, Argyll and Bute Council and Community Woodlands Association.

“We are really looking forward to getting underway, and to making such positive use of some of Argyll’s beautiful woodlands.”

The Branching Out programme was established by Forestry Commission Scotland and the NHS and was trialled with great success in the Highland region and in the central belt.

ACT has worked closely with Argyll-based FCS, NHS and Community Woodlands Association partners to adapt the programme to meet Argyll’s needs This award follows successful funding applications over the past 18 months which have provided leader training, tool kits, and funds for three programmes one of which is currently running at Blarbuie in Mid-Argyll and two more scheduled for Kilfinan and Bute over the coming months.

For more information about ACT or Branching Out Argyll Contact julie@act-now.org.uk or visit www.act-now.org.uk