Investing for Healthier Communities
In April 2002 Conservation Volunteers Northern Ireland was successful in an application to the Investing for Healthier Communities Initiative, and will receive a grant of £86,000 to run Green Gym projects in rural areas of Northern Ireland over the next two years.
This grant stems from a major Government consultation called Investing for Health which was launched in October 2000. This consultation has resulted in a recently published report which outlines the major health problems in Northern Ireland and the government's plans to try and improve the health of the whole population over the next few years.
For many years Government health policy has concentrated on treating ill health rather than preventing it. The Investing for Health strategy reflects a major shift in Government thinking to try and tackle factors which adversely affect people's health. As part of this new strategy a grant programme was launched to fund a range of projects which could demonstrate new ways of improving health. The expansion of Conservation Volunteers' Green Gym project was one of twenty-six demonstration projects to be funded by the Investing for Healthier Communities Initiative.
The Green Gym is based on the simple fact that undertaking physical work to improve the environment on a regular basis improves the physical and mental health of those involved. An increasing number of people suffer from mental health conditions such as depression and stress, and often experience social isolation. Participating in the Green Gym also helps to alleviate many of these problems and brings people together to work as a team.
The Green Gym can make real differences to both physical and mental health as well as helping people to understand and improve the environment. This holistic approach also benefits others through an improved quality of environment and a more attractive landscape. Over the next couple of years the Green Gym will be a major project for Conservation Volunteers and is likely to expand significantly, demonstrating the link between health, quality of life, and the environment.
Appleby Social Education Centre and Conservation Volunteers Northern Ireland Green Gym
One recent Green Gym Project has been with the Appleby Social Education Centre, Armagh. Sixteen volunteers enjoyed a varied program of activities from February to June 2002. At Ardress House the group prepared seed beds for the spring planting of apple trees. At the Palace Stables the group carried out important tree management and path work whilst at Peatlands Park the group planted native trees, cleared invasive rhododendron and resurfaced part of the path network with tree bark.
Volunteers and staff felt they really had a rewarding experience with everyone feeling the benefits of the physical work and the chance to meet new people. In recognition of their hard work, Armagh District Council held a reception for the group where the Lady Mayor, Mrs Sylvia McRoberts, presented certificates to each member of the group.