Blooming Minds Project

Our aim is to enhance mental well-being and inspire people to protect our environment.

Blooming Minds Community October 10, 2019 at 9:00 am
  • Description
  • Updates
  • FAQ
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Project Description

We all think that mental health problems won’t affect us and our family, but research shows that mental health disorders affect 1 out of 4 people at some point during their lifetime (1).

Cities are associated with higher rates of mental health problems compared to rural areas; an almost 40% higher risk of depression, over 20% more anxiety, and double the risk of schizophrenia, in addition to more loneliness, isolation and stress (1). But here in Malta, 96.2% of the population live in urban areas and most do not have access to natural sites. Studies show that nature is a powerful tool to improve mental state and heal from stress.

Nowadays at least 8% of Malta’s residents face psychiatric disorders –  that is over 22 000 people. We want to see this change so more people can live a happier and healthier life. 

In 2018, we created Malta’s first ecotherapy programme in collaboration with the Richmond Foundation – Blooming Minds.

Using our respective areas of expertise in mental health and environmental education, we developed an engaging and inclusive programme of outdoor sessions that work to improve people’s mental health, as well as foster an appreciation for nature. We run specialist sessions in nature art, gardening, hands-on conservation work, and even yoga in the great outdoors. In this supportive environment people can really improve their well-being by boosting social connections, building confidence and independence, learning new skills, and enjoying the calming effect of being in green spaces.

Thanks to €17,000 in funding from the Social Impact Awards, we were able to make this project a reality and begin delivering our first sessions in 2019, seeing some amazing results.

After just 90 minutes of an ecotherapy session with Richmond Foundation service users we got very encouraging feedback with decreased feelings of nervousness and an increase in feeling happy and comfortable.

But we need your help! The initial support from the Social Impact Awards has enabled us to start the project. However, with funding coming to an end in December 2019 we now need you to help us raise €5,000 to continue and grow this life-changing project so more people can benefit!

You can make a difference to the lives of others living with mental health problems in Malta!

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Updates

Project FAQ

1. How do I know ecotherapy works?

Ecotherapy is a formal type of therapeutic treatment which involves outdoor activities in nature such as planting, painting, yoga, and nature crafts. Studies and scientific works on this topic have been focused on more recently, endorsing the positive effects of spending time in a natural environment. We will be sharing some of them on our Facebook platform. In the UK, GPs are prescribing nature therapy either on its own or alongside other treatments. If you want to learn more you can read an article about it.

2. Who runs the project?

Blooming Minds is a collaborative project of BirdLife Malta and the Richmond Foundation.

BirdLife Malta — Malta’s largest environmental NGO with vast experience in conservation of natural sites and delivering environmental education in the local community.

Richmond Foundation — supporting organisation for people experiencing mental health problems throughout their journey towards well-being.

This is the first time we’ve organised an ecotherapy project in Malta. But we have more than 30 years of expertise in professional help for people living with mental health conditions from the Richmond Foundation and more than 30 years experience of connecting people with nature from BirdLife Malta.

3. How exactly will you spend my money?

Your funding will enable us to continue and grow Blooming Minds so more people improve their mental well-being. Funds will help support the programme of activities with materials and resources to deliver a series of engaging and inclusive sessions including paints, gloves, seeds and more. Your donation will also mean we can have expert staff on hand to help deliver the sessions in a supportive environment. Here are some examples:

€5 will buy a plant for a service user to care for and watch grow!

€10 buys a sketch book for a service user to use during their nature arts and crafts session!

€15 pays for one staff member to run a two-hour ecotherapy session!

€20 would buy a set of paints to help run a nature arts and crafts sessions!

€30 will pay for a yoga instructor to run green exercise therapy session at Simar Nature Reserve!

€40 will buy the compost and plants to run a horticulture session!

€50 will pay for a mini bus for 12 service users to visit Simar Nature Reserve!

€100 will pay for a 2-hour social and therapeutic horticulture session for 12 service users!

€200 will pay for staff to run 12 two-hour ecotherapy sessions!

4. Who is in Blooming Mind’s team?

Sarah Brady — Project manager. Sarah is responsible for coordinating the project activities and developing a collaborative partnership with the Richmond Foundation. She also supports with presenting this project to key stakeholders.

Abbie Ferrar — Activities Leader. Abbie is responsible for developing and running the ecotherapy sessions.

Casey Scicluna — Rehabilitation Manager and Psychotherapist. Casey is responsible for the management of a therapeutic programme in accordance with the professional and administrative policies of the Richmond Foundation.

Charlot Cauchi — Deputy Manager at Villa Chelsea. Charlot is responsible for running the therapeutic programme at Villa Chelsea that includes the day and residential programme.

Daniela Gravina — Mental Health Recovery Officer. Daniela is helping run the therapeutic and rehabilitation program at Villa Chelsea.

5. When will I receive my reward?

We will contact you when our campaign has successfully ended, so please don’t forget to fill in your email address! The end of campaign is on the 10th of November and then we will be in contact with you :)

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