21 October 2024 | Many of us can testify to a greater sense of wellbeing that results from being involved with Landcare, thanks to being outdoors, in connection with nature and our local community.
Studies show that spending time in nature can reduce feelings of stress, anxiety and fear, and increase our positive emotions.
October is Mental Health Month which provides an opportunity to reflect on the importance of the link between volunteering and our mental health. This has been documented in a report entitled Building resilience in local communities: The wellbeing benefits of participating in Landcare.
Published in 2021 by Landcare Australia, the findings indicate that Landcare volunteers experience substantial improvements to the mental and physical wellbeing.
These impacts range from improvements in physical and mental wellbeing; to a greater sense of connection with the community and the environment; to relying on Landcare as a trusted source of information about the environment; through to supporting local businesses.
The findings in the report show that this increased sense of wellbeing leads to approximate savings from avoided healthcare costs of $403 per individual per year. For the Landcare movement which exceeds 140,000 people across Australia, that number equates to $57 million.
The Tree Planting for Mental Health event, Bridgewater, Tasmania.
To acknowledge the importance of mental health, in 2022, Landcare Tasmania partnered with Lifeline, Hobart Arbor Co and Branch Out for a day of tree planting and mental health awareness at the Bridgewater foreshore.
This event highlighted the importance of community and nature in healing- whether that comes from grieving a loss, or overcoming mental health struggles.
Read about the Tree Planting for Mental Health event here.
