Summary

In partnership with the government-funded employment support service SEETEC, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and Cornwall Wildlife Trust, Natural England are regularly hosting and delivering Wellbeing in Nature programmes for adults in long-term unemployment. The programme is currently active across Cornwall and Devon; progress is being made to deliver activity across a wider area of the UK.

The programme gives adults the opportunity to connect with nature, learn new skills and support their social and mental wellbeing. Many participants have found that the programme has helped them to move forwards on the next steps of their employment journey, whether that be making their first visit to a job centre in years, or securing a new job role. Every participant is unique, and the programme empowers that individual approach.

Feedback

Many participants have enjoyed the programme so much that they have enrolled as volunteers. Some have gone on to apply for job roles in related sectors, with some successful in applying. All participants reflect on how connecting to nature has beneficial for their wellbeing and social health, and have told us that they will be more likely to engage with nature after they have finished the the programme. This also helps us in encouraging positive nature-based behaviour, and therefore nature recovery.

Looking ahead

The programme is supported and funded by SEETEC, with Natural England hosting and delivering alongside Cornwall Wildlife Trust. The National Trust are also coming on board, in support of our Lizard and North Cornwall delivery. There are UK-wide plans to roll out the delivery to as many people as possible.

Priorities	People, nature
Lead	Natural England
Funding partners	SEETEC, DWP, CWT, JobCentre +
Community involvement	Currently unemployed adults