Recovery t hrough Nature

1. Recovery through Nature Jon Hall, BA (hons), Msc. Commissioning and Development Manager. Phoenix Futures

2. Back to Nature… • RtN takes service users out into nature rich settings to engage them in practical conservation work as part of a therapeutic team • Away from our usual treatment settings and into a natural, outdoor environment • From a small-scale activities programme at Sheffield Adult Service to full-scale, practical conservationrehabilitation programme running through Scotland and England. • Groups go out 1 day a week, and engage for about 12 weeks. • Available to both residential and community groups • Participation is voluntary • Conservation Therapy is about engaging with the earth physically, as well as spiritually.

3. “Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees… while cares drop off like autumn leaves” John Muir, 1900. • Very pure therapeutic intervention • It takes the TC outside • It appeals to a broad spectrum • Genuine conservation work is done • The wilder the place, the better… • Beautiful yet often alien places • Constructive tasks preferable • Everyone benefits- Service Users, our partners, the local community and Phoenix Futures • We have found it is particularly good at keeping people in treatment

4. Back to Nature… • Academically underpinned- • ‘Back to our roots’ (Wilson, 1984) - ‘Humans have an innate affiliation with nature’ • Biophilia hypothesis (Wilson, 1984) - ‘Interacting with nature is good for us and has healing qualities’ • Ulrich, 1984; Kaplan, 1995; Clinebell, 1996; MIND, 2007; NHS, 2013 - natural therapeutic environments facilitate restoration and recovery …Nature is known to have healing and restorative qualities

5. “…between every two pines is a doorway to a new world…” John Muir, 1911. Theoretical Model Hall, 2003 • Task – producing something positive and permanent • Environment – working in nature rich settings • Relationships – teamworking away from traditional settings • Service users place themselves within this model. One factor may be more influential for a person than another • It is powerful in the way it works to increase both self esteem and confidence. It enhances people’s belief in their ability to change Environment Task Relationships

6. Partnership Working • Partnerships are fundamental to the success of RtN • We work with all the major national conservation agencies and with many local ones… • Natural England, National Trust, John Muir Trust, RSPB, Forestry Commission, Woodland Trust, various councils and country parks. • The relationship between group leader, group and conservation staff is critical. We must nurture these. • We shape ourselves around our partners and work in-line with their management plans. We want to be of benefit to our partners, not a hindrance.

7. Ben Le Bas, NNR Management Co-ordinator, Natural England: “ Natural England’s partnership with Phoenix Futures has become an integral part of the management of our participating reserves. Not only is excellent work delivered which enhances the biodiversity and infrastructure of the reserves, but the projects contribute to Natural England’s health and social inclusion agendas” - It underpins the fact that we are making a genuine difference to the environment.

8. The John Muir Award Scheme Outcomes… 2011-2012- 385 participated 2012- 2013- 467 participated Open College Network qualification in Practical Conservation and Preparation for Work, NVQ Level 2, giving 9 transferable learning credits 2012-2013 – 48% increase in completions Average 56% improvement in retention for the last 4 years for RTN clients, compared to those who didn’t do RTN

9. Outcomes… 30,000 volunteer hours were delivered to our local communities last year

10. Outcomes … • Dave- “Absolutely liberating being in touch with nature. They said that you have to experience freedom to appreciate it. Today, I feel free, thank you mother nature” • Peter- “Very good once again, love being out… makes me feel alive and well” • Nigel- “…it helps me get away from pressures of life back home it helps me build confidence and meet others in similar boat”

11. Outcomes … John- “its therapy by stealth” Dave- “Absolutely liberatingbeing in touch with nature” Sarah- “Another wonderful day out, hard work pays off… despite the weather this morning I feel exhilarated, alive and free thank you so much”

12. Recovery through Nature helps people who are dependent on drugs and alcohol to transform their lives • It’s cost effective • It gives us a competitive edge • Consultant fundraising enables financial viability

13. The natural step forward…. • Due to our vision, commitment, and ability to develop positive relationships with our partners. • 15 successful programmes running up and down the country. • We were invited to the Seychelles where we consulted on setting up a successful conservation programme for Nature Seychelles. • We have set up 2 new programmes in prisons; Northumberland and Hollesley Bay. • RtN is easily replicable:

14. The natural step forward…. • Are you interested in developing something similar? Or are you already doing this? • We are seeking to underpin the programme with more research and we are open to any ideas or suggestions… • RtN has enabled us to be brave enough to take our TC’s into new environments; Voyage of Recovery, PF Forest • We are using our experience to maximise peoples opportunity to benefit from the TC in new settings

15. Any Questions?