Engaging with nature for active living and positive mental wellbeing

Using a Healthy Focus grant, The Link Youth Health Service set up a nature-based activity group for young people from diverse backgrounds in and around Hobart.

The aim was to promote active living, stronger social connections, connection to land and place, and positive mental health and wellbeing for young people of diverse backgrounds.

The activities included a combination of health literacy discussions, physical activity, and ‘On Country’ experiences, such as a trip to clean up Taroona beach, a bush walk to Sphinx Rock, mural painting at Karadi Aboriginal Corporation and a visit to Oyster Cove (Putalina).

‘I learned I can feel the world through my feet,’ one participant says.

The young people learned new skills such as art, fire safety, bushcraft, plant identification and orienteering. They learned about Tasmanian Aboriginal culture and the significance and history of certain locations, as well as different healthy food options and the importance of caring for natural, recreational spaces.