Myplace
Myplace is an exciting and innovative ecotherapy project delivered by the Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside in partnership with the Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust
Myplace empowers people and their communities to connect with local environments in order to learn new skills, build resilience and improve their physical health and mental wellbeing.
Read an independent report about Myplace
The ecotherapy nature of Myplace has meant it's turned into something far more than just an excuse to get out of the house. I come away each week feeling refreshed.Myplace volunteer
Our Hubs
Each week we run free sessions or 'hubs' across Bolton and Lancashire.
Please note, we have temporarily paused all on site delivery for the time being however are still offering opportunities to take part in and benefit from the Myplace programme with our new virtual Myplace sessions.
Additional criteria may apply, please get in touch with us at myplace@lancswt.org.uk or give us a ring on 01772 872007 for an informal chat about how we may be able to support you to discover a natural way to wellbeing.
Ages 13 - 24
These sessions offer opportunities for our participants to gain accredited awards through the John Muir Award scheme. Participants learn new skills, develop their confidence, meet new friends and improve their health and wellbeing through participation in outdoor activities.
Brockholes Nature Reserve, Preston - Monday
Avenham Park, Preston - Wednesday
100 trees planted in Astley Park
Reedyford Road Allotments, Nelson - Wednesday
The Hive at Moss Bank Park, Bolton - Wednesday and Thursday
Tower Wood, Wyre - Wednesday
Cottom Hall, Wyre - Thursday
Astley Park, Chorley - Thursday
Duxbury Wood, Chorley - Thursday
Witton Park, Blackburn - Thursday
Whitehall Park, Darwen - Friday
Ages 25 and over
Sessions offer opportunities for regular personal development and allow participants to build their skills and meet new people.
Bank Top Neighbourhood Community Allotment, Blackburn - Tuesday
Worden Park, Leyland - Tuesday
The Hive in Moss Bank Park, Bolton - Wednesday and Thursday
Avenham Park, Preston - Wednesday
Tower Wood, Wyre - Wednesday
Duxbury Woods, Chorley - Thursday
Brockholes Nature Reserve, Preston - Thursday
Cain Scringemour
Miller Fold Community Allotment, Accrington - Thursday
Cottom Hall, Wyre - Thursday
Wild Wellbeing Days
A team day with a twist, led by our friendly and experienced Myplace team. Wild Wellbeing Days are designed specifically to improve the mental health and wellbeing of all those involved.
Seeing my team happy and relaxed gave me a great sense of achievement.
Spokesperson, Siemens
Activities relate to five key themes
Click through the different sections below for examples of some of the activities you might expect to do at a Myplace session.
Wildlife walks
Spending time in nature can be very relaxing, providing time to reflect, unwind or kindle new friendships. Walking is also an excellent way to keep fit and active which has also been shown to improve a person's wellbeing. Whilst our walks might be more of a mindful activity we also include activities like foraging and looking for wildlife.
Bushcraft
Learning new skills, trying new things and sharing knowledge and experiences can be a fantastic way to improve your wellbeing. Activities might include fire lighting, wood working and making homes for nature.
Gardening projects
Not only benefiting wildlife and communities, gardening projects can also offer the opportunity to make new discoveries, learn new skills and relax. Activities also include cooking freshly picked fruit and vegetables over an open fire.
Practical conservation
Encouraging people to keep active, learn new skills and make positive changes for wildlife and wild spaces. Practical conservation work can also benefit the wider community and help people to feel like more valued members of society. Activities might include balsam bashing, dead hedging and tree planting.
Mindful environments
Taking time to step away from technology and be in the moment can do wonders for mental wellbeing. It can be as simple as taking a few deep breaths. We might do some mindful drawing or stop for a while and take notice of our surroundings.
Image gallery
NHS staff at a Myplace taster session
Myplace participants planting fresh vegetables
Learning bushcraft is a great way to reconnect with nature and the outdoors
Myplace were delighted to receive the Partnership Working/Co-Production Award at the first national, Children and Young People Mental Health Awards Ceremony in January
Hubs encourage participants to work in teams and socialise with each other in a relaxed environment
Alice Singleton
Our Funders
Myplace is funded by The National Lottery Community Fund through 'Our Bright Future' and 'Reaching Communities England' and the European Social Fund through the More Positive Together programme.
Myplace is one of 31 projects that together form the 'Our Bright Future' movement which is inspiring young people across the UK to become tomorrow's environmental champions.
