Recovery Through Nature – Cambo
Discover a world free from drugs and alcohol, gain confidence and learn new skills in the beautiful Scottish countryside with Phoenix Futures Scotland.
Recovery through Nature connects people using our services with nature to aid in their recovery and work as a team on practical conservation projects in settings across Scotland. Our Recovery through Nature programme, set up in 2007 has helped thousands of people progress with their treatment while working on environmental projects in the great outdoors. With our partners, we have helped restore natural areas of beauty and rebuilt confidence in our service users.
Self-esteem and confidence building are huge benefits of the Recovery through Nature programme, and are achieved through:
The activity: Influential therapeutic drivers include deferred gratification, ‘ownership’ of the activity, and physical, positive results
The environment: The power of being in and producing something with the natural environment is often under-valued
Relationships: Genuine bonding and team working with peers in real life / work settings
Participants of Recovery through Nature achieved a 41% higher successful completion rate than the national average.
Opiate users achieved a 75% higher successful completion rate than the national average.
What challenge does it offer to the participants?
Recovery through Nature challenges participants in a number of unique ways. These include:
- taking ownership of conservation activities
- working in an natural environment
- team-working in real life work situations
Who are our partners?
Our partners in Scotland are: RSPB Scotland, John Muir Trust, John Muir Awards, Forestry Commission Scotland, North and South Lanarkshire Councils CAVLP – Clyde and Avon Valley Landscape Partnership, FEAT – Fife Employability Access Trust, Falkland Estate Fife and CAMBO at Kingsbarns Estate Fife.
How does the activity support long term recovery?
Participants report:
- improved mental and physical health
- increased self-esteem and confidence
- enhanced belief in their ability to change