Oxfordshire mental health charity visits rainforest for wellbeing day

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 25 Oct, 20:31 · Archive

Response, an Oxfordshire mental health charity, took 26 residents and seven staff to The Living Rainforest near Thatcham for a free visit.

Response, Oxfordshire's largest independent mental health charity, partnered with The Living Rainforest near Thatcham for a special day aimed at highlighting nature's positive impact on wellbeing. The Living Rainforest opened its doors free of charge to 26 Response residents and seven support staff, offering a guided tour of its tropical glasshouse environment and more than 60 animal species, including sloths, monkeys, snakes and free-roaming birds.

Anne Clarke, director of adult services at Response, said: 'Everyone we support is different, with their own interests, experiences and things that bring them joy. We have lifelong motor bike racing fans and Taylor Swift enthusiasts, as well as people who love cooking, nature and animals.' She added that the visit gave people the opportunity to try something new, spend time with others and enjoy an experience they might not otherwise have had.

The visit was designed to promote mental health benefits of spending time in nature, connecting with others, and enjoying new experiences outside daily routines, whilst also raising awareness of tropical ecosystems and sustainable living. Response supports more than 750 adults and children each year across Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, offering mental health support and housing to those in need, including people leaving statutory services, individuals experiencing homelessness, and young people building independence and confidence.

How it is being reported

• Oxfordshire charity partners with rainforest attraction for wellbeing dayAn Oxfordshire mental health charity joined forces with The Living Rainforest to highlight the positive impact nature has on wellbeing.Oxford Mail · 25 Oct, 20:00
• Oxfordshire charity partners with rainforest attraction for wellbeing dayAn Oxfordshire mental health charity joined forces with The Living Rainforest to highlight the positive impact nature has on wellbeing.Oxfordshire Guardian · 25 Oct, 20:00

In this story: Response · The Living Rainforest · Oxfordshire · Thatcham · Anne Clarke

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