Occupational Therapy Students Explore Nature-Based Practice with Grow Wellbeing CIC

Some of our MSc Pre-Registration Occupational Therapy students recently took part in a placement preparation day with Grow Wellbeing CIC, exploring how outdoor activities and natural environments can support health and wellbeing.

As part of the programme, students complete a six-week Contemporary Practice Placement, which focuses on the diverse settings and opportunities available to occupational therapists.

These placements are hosted by charities and organisations that do not currently employ occupational therapists, giving students the opportunity to consider how occupational therapy skills and approaches could be applied in different contexts outside of traditional areas.

Grow Wellbeing CIC is one of the organisations hosting students this year. The not-for-profit organisation supports people to reconnect with nature, community and their own sense of agency through practical outdoor experiences. Their work aligns with occupational therapy principles of participation, engagement and wellbeing.

The placement preparation day introduced students to research on the physical and mental health benefits of spending time outdoors and encouraged them to consider how nature-based activities can be used within occupational therapy practice.

Students took part in a range of activities including outdoor games, survival skills, weaving and clay modelling (example pictured below). The session also provided an opportunity for students to connect with peers and discuss how occupational therapy can be applied in non-traditional settings.

Feedback from students highlighted the value of exploring alternative approaches to occupational therapy practice and learning about settings beyond traditional healthcare environments.

One student told us: “It made me feel very excited about future involvement OT could have in this area. The day was very enjoyable, and it was fun to have interactive activities with the staff from Grow Wellbeing and with my peers.”

Another member of the cohort reflected on the potential role of nature-based interventions in practice. They said: “Interventions are not limited to being indoors, it is useful to utilise the power of nature in interventions to facilitate wellbeing and regulation.”

The day also provided opportunities for discussion between students and educators about the application of occupational therapy theory in different environments and settings.

We would like to thank Grow Wellbeing CIC for supporting the event and providing students with insight into nature-based approaches to health and wellbeing. We look forward to continuing to work together to support future student placements and learning opportunities.