Exploring service users’ and staff’s perspectives of outdoor clinical sessions

There is growing interest in outdoor therapy sessions, which appear to have physical and mental health benefits, but there is still a lack of research in this area. A service evaluation was undertaken in a community rehabilitation service to explore the perspectives of service users and staff on outdoor clinical sessions. The rehabilitation team members work with people with severe and enduring mental health issues towards community reintegration. All participants had positive views of outdoor sessions, which were described as supporting people to overcome anxiety, develop confidence and reconnect with the community. Suggestions on how to improve the sessions included staff training and allocating more time. Difficulties included the unpredictability of the environment, logistical barriers and maintaining confidentiality.