A PIONEERING £250,000 programme, which will enable Isle of Wight residents experiencing mental distress to become environmental volunteer, has been launched.
Leading environmental volunteering charity BTCV will deliver Wellbeing Comes Naturally on the Isle of Wight through its one of its local community groups, the Kitbridge Enterprises Trust.
The aim of the project is to encourage people experiencing mental distress to improve their health, confidence and skills by joining a conservation group.
The project has been funded by Big Lottery Fund through the Ecominds grant scheme.
Almost 500 people across England will benefit from the £250,000 project which matches volunteers with regular sessions of nature conservation.
Volunteers will be involved in projects such as vegetable growing and biodiversity work.
Reporter: suep@iwcpmail.co.uk