Waterways Wellbeing project helps residents in South Leicestershire improve their physical and mental health

Research shows that being near or on water improves wellbeing, making you feel happier and healthier, whilst giving you the confidence to deal with daily challenges.

The Canal and River Trusts' Waterways Wellbeing project in South Leicestershire started in 2022 and runs in Oadby & Wigston, Blaby and Market Harborough.

Daniel Needham, a resident of South Leicestershire, joined the Waterways Wellbeing project when it started, and has taken part in paddle boarding, canoeing and attends regular walks that are part of South Leicestershire's Blue Social Prescribing Programme. The project has a hugely positive impact on Daniel's mental health;

"I initially heard about the Waterways Wellbeing sessions through my wife. She has PTSD and was booked onto a Paddling Session at our local canal. She almost didn't go to her first session due to anxiety, I went with her as an observer and for moral support.

She enjoyed it so much and I could see the positive impact for her after just one session, it helped calm her down and reduced anxiety. She suggested that I may benefit as well, her positivity made me want to try it, I have quite a stressful job and it was a particularly anxious time for me, watching my wife struggle with her mental health. I hoped it could help me relax and be good for me physically. I was really looking forward to seeing if I would be able to stay on the paddle board and not fall in.

I've lost count of the number of sessions I've taken part in. I've tried the paddle boarding, and canoeing, and I attend the walking sessions each week. This week I am attending the bird box making session, I really love anything that helps nature. I have enjoyed watching the progress of others alongside my own improved wellbeing and I feel like I have made some really nice new friends.

Attending and taking part in the wellbeing activities has helped me enormously, each session or new activity gives me more confidence, this confidence means I can help others who may be nervous too. I have lived in the area for most of my life and I've found that I have connections with lots of people, finding something or someone we know in common helps new attendees to relax and feel included.

I would definitely recommend other people to try the Waterways Wellbeing sessions, the nice company and natural environment is very relaxing, you quickly feel the health benefits. Attending has helped my own stress levels around work and there has also been an improvement in my physical health."

To participate in The Canal and River Trusts, Waterways Wellbeing sessions, contact sean.payne@canalrivertrust.org.uk.

Source & Image: The Canal and River Trusts