Background Following a pilot, the hospice wanted to continue to provide wellbeing walks using the five pillars of wellbeing and applied for, and were successful in gaining a grant, to engage with our local community and provide a series of nature walks.

Aim To provide a series of walks focusing on the five pillars of wellbeing and how green spaces are a sustainable vehicle for delivering wellbeing services across the locality.

Method A series of 15 themed nature walks took place and targeted patients, carers, bereaved people, as well as those who want to know more about the hospice. The walks were staffed by the hospice Wellbeing Practitioner and volunteers, as well as guest speakers, who guided the group through a different theme, focusing on nature or an activity. Community outreach was enhanced through social media posts and targeting ‘difficult to reach’ groups. The diversity of the group was evaluated, as well as qualitative data using a Mentimeter online questionnaire.

Results The benefits of having funding allowed us to widen our reach and offer a variety of venues, across our catchment area. Promotion via social media was enhanced and led to an increase in participants. Feedback was positive with participants reporting improved sense of wellbeing, peer support and higher levels of confidence.

Conclusion This low level engagement was also a useful as a step down tool for those who find moving on difficult, whilst maintaining contact at ‘arm’s length’. Also it provided an outreach opportunity to engage with ‘difficult to reach’ communities.

This project was funded by Herts. County Council.