Celebration marks success of Branching Out to patients

A CELEBRATION was held to mark the culmination of a 12-week project aimed at enriching the lives of mental health patients in Edinburgh.

Since May, Edinburgh and Lothians Greenspace Trust has been delivering "Branching Out" - a weekly programme of therapeutic woodland activities, pioneered by the Forestry Commission Scotland and partners.

The concept, a first for the Lothians, works with mental health referrals and encourages them to interact with woodlands to improve mental health and well-being.

Esperanza Martin Gil, project officer at the trust, said: "There has been a marked difference in the confidence of the participants over the 12-week programme. Clients who initially found it very difficult to interact back in May are now much more relaxed and talkative and even helping their peers when they need it."

The end-of-season party was held at the Hermitage of Braid Visitors Centre.