At Changing Lives, we know that spending time in nature can have a powerful impact on our wellbeing. Yet for many of the women supported by our Criminal Justice Services (CJS) team in the West Midlands, accessing green spaces simply wasn’t a realistic option.
Through conversations with women and staff, we discovered that barriers such as poor mental and physical health, financial hardship, lack of transport, social isolation, and the lasting effects of trauma were preventing many women from enjoying the benefits of the natural world.
To better understand these challenges, we undertook research with the women we support. The results were striking. Half had not accessed nature at all in the previous 12 months, while many faced barriers including health difficulties, transport issues, financial pressures and feelings of stigma in public spaces. Despite this, 90% believed spending time in nature would have a positive impact on their wellbeing.
This feedback led to the creation of the Accessing Nature for Wellbeing Programme.
From Idea to Reality
Turning the vision into reality wasn’t straightforward. After several unsuccessful funding applications, the team continued to push forward, determined to create new opportunities for the women they support.
That persistence paid off when the William A Cadbury Charitable Trust awarded £18,000 in funding in December 2025.
The funding enabled us to develop a varied programme of outdoor activities designed to improve wellbeing, build confidence and reduce social isolation. Women took part in hiking, canoeing, barge trips, coastal visits, outdoor yoga, orienteering and nature walks, while practical support with travel and equipment helped remove barriers to participation.
A key partnership was also formed with Wildside Activity Centre, which delivered a bespoke programme of outdoor activities. Such was the success of the partnership that Wildside has since secured funding to match-fund a future cohort, helping to ensure the programme’s legacy continues.
Creating Opportunities for Lasting Change
While the activities themselves have been incredibly important, the programme was always about more than one-off experiences.
Working alongside a local community centre, the team secured access to a community garden where women can continue connecting with nature through an ongoing Gardening Club. The hope is that this will become a lasting legacy of the project, creating sustainable opportunities for women to build skills, confidence and supportive relationships long after the original funding ends.
Life-Changing Experiences
The impact on participants has been profound.
One woman discovered a passion for the outdoors and has since applied to volunteer with Wildside Activity Centre.
For another participant, aged 22, a trip to the seaside became a milestone she will never forget. It was the first time she had ever seen the sea, stood on a beach or felt sand between her toes.
Another woman described one of the programme visits as “the best day I have had in sixteen years.”
Women have also shared how the programme has inspired them to take positive steps in their everyday lives. One participant revisited walking routes with her mother to support her mental health, while another joined a trip the day after being released from custody and went on to engage positively with probation services for the first time.
Recognition Beyond the Programme
The programme’s success has attracted attention beyond those directly involved.
During a visit to Barmouth Beach, the Probation Service’s Regional Women’s Strategy Lead for the West Midlands met participants and heard first-hand about the difference the programme was making. Following the visit, the project was nominated for the Ministry of Justice Nature & People Awards 2026, recognising its innovative approach to improving the wellbeing and life chances of women within the criminal justice system.
Looking Ahead
The Accessing Nature for Wellbeing Programme demonstrates what can happen when we listen to the people we support and work together to remove barriers.
What started as a response to an identified need has become an opportunity for healing, connection and growth. Through the support of our partners and funders, women who once felt isolated from their communities and the natural world are discovering new experiences, building confidence and creating brighter futures.
Sometimes, something as simple as a walk in nature can be the first step towards lasting change.
