Blue Gym Medics

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Comment by Debby Jackson on January 8, 2010 at 5:48pm

I am a psychologist working for Devon Partnership NHS Trust and have recently become involved in the new ‘Improving Access to Psychological Therapies’ (IAPT) Programme for Devon. I have a personal interest in outdoor activities and particularly those in and around water and have experienced the benefits that participation in these activities produces for my physical and psychological wellbeing.

National Guidance around implementing the IAPT programme recommends the comissioning of ‘Structured Exercise’ as a key intevention aimed at improving mood (in particular relation to depression and anxiety). This is backed by research evidence.

Our psychological wellbeing practitioners (we recently recruited our first cohort of trainees and will be welcoming a second intake in April) are being trained to provide this and other interventions to patients referred to them under the new ‘Depression and Anxiety Service’.

I would be very happy to hear from any individual, group or organisation, that might wish to discuss how blue gym can be used as part of a structured exercise programme aimed at improving psychological wellbeing.

Comment by Helford River Expeditions on November 13, 2009 at 10:19am

Hi Darren,
Helford River Expeditions has been selected as the first “Marine Champion” business by Cornwall Sustainable Tourism Project (CoaST) working within the European NEA2 Marine Leisure and Environment strand (Interreg IV(b)) and working with 23 other European partners within the Atlantic Arc.
As a Marine Champion business we will also be working within the other strands of the project including “Social Inclusion & Innovation”. Our Environmental and Sustainability practices are core to our operation. THIS IS NOT A GREEN WASHING EXCERCISE!

On Tuesday 10th November I attended the NEA2 “Watersports working together” seminar at Watergate Bay where key stakeholders within the NEA2 project presented their individual remits. Dr William Bird presented excellent evidence of the benefits of outdoor activity to all. He also explained Rich Emerson’s role within the project as a pilot scheme.

Thus far we have conducted Expeditions on the Helford River for the Natural Engalnd team (23 people) and have conducted Expeditions for less abled people. Chris Hines (Blue Gym); Stephen Russel (EA Access to Rivers Campaign) and Jacqui Piper (CoaST) have also been on our Expeditions.
I am in no doubt that what we offer, the way we operate and the Natural Environment in which we operate provides an ideal base for engagement and rehabilitation in a natural setting which forms an AONB, SSSI, SAC.
With the passing of the Marine and Coastal Access Act, I firmly believe that we are able to offer a truly unique opportunity to all including disadvantaged and disengaged people. In the forthcoming months it is our intention to provide education and training courses based on our “learn without trying” philosophy. After every Expedition we “put something back” into this truly outstanding area by planting a tree – next year we will be sowing wild flowers to help out the struggling bee population! 🙂

I would be open to a site visit by anyone interested in discussing opportunities to utilise the facilities that we can provide in the finest bamboo gardens in the UK on the Helford River.

I would welcome the opportunity to work as a pilot provider for referrals. Please feel free to contact me at anytime to discuss this further. Our business model is unique to Cornwall and the UK and our philosophy and practice has led to massive success in a very short time frame. We are sure that this is set to continue and would welcome partnerships for the future.

I look forward to hearing from you all….
Kind regards
Howard
Helford River Expeditions.co.uk

Comment by Darren Hall on November 12, 2009 at 9:29pm

In response to some of the questions about whether the NHS will support initiatives like the Blue gym:

I am about to start a 12 month pilot project at Stennack Surgery in St Ives working with patients directetly referred from the G.P.’s and Health workers. The project is designed to support patients to access Health and Wellbeing opportunities in the community with the aim of enabling them to take greater responsibilty for their health, wellbeing and fitness. The hope is that this will also reduce the workload on G.P.’s, reduce the drug bill and create a healther community.

The Blue Gym will form an integral part of the network of community initiatives that this project will aim to engage the patients in.

The project is being funded by Penwith Community Development Trust, Big Lottery funding and the Friends of Stennack Surgery. Please contact me here if you would like any further information or feedback on the project’s effectiveness.

p.s. Helford River Expeditions – I don’t know if you had any luck contacting the organisers of the PTSD surf therpay initiative? It was co-organised by my good friend Rich Emerson and I’m certain he’d be happy to help you in your project to support Veterans. The event was called ‘Operation amped’ and there is a video about it on this site

Well done Blue Gym – this site is Brilliant !

Comment by Charlotte Prosser on October 15, 2009 at 8:08am

Thanks for that Mark that is really helpful!

Comment by Mark Danielsen on October 14, 2009 at 11:59pm

hi charlotte/sam, on a slightly different tack but related topic it may be worth having a chat with Jo Lewis (consultant in communiy paediatrics at RCHT). she has been involved in some research looking at the benefits of outdoor activity (surfing in particular) on the behaviour/wellbeing of children with autistic spectrum disorders. I think theyve been having surf lessons locally. nice work if you can get it!…..oh and she’s a good mate of Pauls…..speaks volumes!!

Comment by Charlotte Prosser on October 13, 2009 at 7:21pm

Thank you for your reply. It would be good to discuss the plans for the research when it is convenient for you. Charlotte.

Comment by William Bird on October 11, 2009 at 11:15pm

Hi Charlotte and Samantha, thats great that you have got started with this research. I can certainly help you with some data. I did a report on the evidence anbout mental and physical benefits of the Natural Environment in two reports Natural fit and natural thinking that are on the RSPB site (yes i am a bird writing for the RSPB!!!)
www.rspb.org.uk/policy/health
I will be down in Plymouth quite soon and we can either meet or catch up by phone to discuss how to make the best use of this resaerch. Really pleased taht you are on the case!!William

Comment by Helford River Expeditions on October 9, 2009 at 9:03am

Hi Tanja,
Thanks for the info, your help is appreciated.
Regards
Howard

Comment by Tanja on October 9, 2009 at 8:59am

Hi Helford River Man!
I don’t know much about rivers, but I know that people have taken military personnell with PTSD surfing (in Gwythian/Hayle) in September. I don’t know who organised it, but it was featured on BBC Spotlight on 22/9, and some of the guys wore rash vests from Sunset (the local surf-school down there). May be it would be worth sending them an e-mail or giving them a ring: [email protected] 01736 752575.
Good luck! T.

Comment by Helford River Expeditions on October 6, 2009 at 6:46am

I am interested in the use of the natural environment of the Helford River to assist and help returning military personnel that are suffering from mental and physical stress and injury. If anyone has any information on the programmes that are available to returning personnel I would be most greatful if you could contact me. The natural environment of the Helford River provides a very beautiful and tranquil setting. It provides an opportunity to reflect and to consider the beauty and value of our existence. If anyone knows of anyone at Peninsula Medical School that is researching this area please get in touch. Many thanx to all at Blue Gym. This is a great site!

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