Why this project matters (Need)
Springburn is one of the most deprived areas of Glasgow. Many of the people we support – including Ukrainian refugee women, unpaid carers, older residents living alone, and teenagers from low-income families – are experiencing ongoing stress, anxiety and isolation.
Many do not access formal mental health services because of language barriers, stigma, cost, or lack of confidence. Women tell us they “stay in the flat for days” and “don’t know where it’s safe to go.” Refugees often say they do not feel part of Scotland and rarely travel outside their immediate neighbourhood.
For people with low income, simply getting out of the city, seeing green space, or spending calm social time without pressure to buy something is not accessible. Without early, non-clinical support, stress becomes crisis.
This project provides that early, gentle support — helping people build resilience and community connection through nature, movement, and friendship.
What the project will do (Activities)
We will run 18 months of Mindful Nature Journeys – guided wellbeing excursions and creative outdoor sessions for local residents who are isolated, stressed, or newly arrived in Glasgow.
Each excursion will be a small-group day trip (15–20 people) to accessible nature or heritage locations — parks, lochs, community gardens and coastal paths. Trips will include:
- gentle mindful walking and breathing exercises,
- relaxed conversation and peer support,
- simple creative reflection (journaling, photography, sketching),
- shared tea or picnic, so nobody feels left out because of cost,
- occasional indoor sessions during winter, to sustain engagement and support emotional wellbeing.
All activities will be free and inclusive, with transport, materials, translation and refreshments provided. Routes will be accessible for all ages and abilities, including wheelchair users. Participants can attend more than once, building friendships, confidence and a sense of belonging over time.
How people and community are involved (Community-led approach)
This project was requested directly by local residents and Ukrainian women we already support through our community group.
- Refugee mothers told us they feel “safer going somewhere new if we go together.”
- Older residents said they “would love to see somewhere green but can’t walk far and won’t go alone.”
- Teenagers asked for “something outdoors that isn’t just football.”
- Women carers said they need “one day a month where we are not just carers.”
We have designed the destinations, timing and pace of the excursions around those voices. Participants will help choose future trip locations, support new members, and volunteer as peer hosts or translators.
By the final six months, we aim to have at least four trained community volunteers (including Ukrainian women and local residents) helping to co-lead activities.
Who will benefit (Target groups)
The project will support:
- Ukrainian refugee women and families rebuilding safety and belonging,
- women and girls experiencing stress, isolation or low confidence,
- unpaid carers needing rest and social connection,
- older people who are socially isolated or live alone,
- teenagers from low-income households,
- local residents affected by cost-of-living pressures.
This directly aligns with Awards for All Scotland priorities — supporting refugees and asylum seekers, engaging women and girls, young people from deprived areas, and reducing isolation among older people.
What difference the project will make (Expected outcomes)
By the end of 18 months:
1. People will feel less isolated and more connected. (70% of participants say “I feel less alone / part of something.”)
2. Participants (especially refugee women and carers) will feel calmer and more positive. (60% say the trips help them manage stress.)
3. Refugees and new arrivals will gain confidence to explore Scotland independently. (20 participants report “I now feel confident to go on trips myself.”)
4. Community capacity will grow. (At least 4 participants trained as volunteers or trip assistants.)
We will track attendance, collect short feedback forms, gather stories and photos, and share updates with the funder every six months.
Safety and inclusion
All excursions will be low-risk and accessible:
- destinations within or near Glasgow,
- gentle, level walking routes with rest breaks,
- accessible seating, shelter, and toilets,
- support from trained facilitators and bilingual volunteers,
- sign-in/out lists, emergency contacts, and risk assessments for every trip.
For participants with limited mobility, we’ll adapt activities (e.g. wheelchair-friendly park visits or seated “nature and tea” sessions).
Everyone will be welcomed, regardless of language, age, or ability.
Sustainability and monitoring
After the grant period, Mindful Nature Journeys will continue as part of the ProUA Hub Eco & Wellbeing Network.
We will build partnerships with:
- ngHomes – to explore installing benches and using shared community green spaces,
- Springburn Winter Gardens Trust and Springburn Unity Network – to co-host community events and seasonal activities,
- Spirit of Springburn – to celebrate local identity, culture and pride through collaborative wellbeing initiatives.
Together, these partnerships will strengthen the project’s sustainability, helping it remain active beyond the grant period and deeply rooted in the local community.
We’ll train volunteers to co-lead future trips, develop local fundraising and donations, and apply for additional wellbeing or environmental grants to sustain activities.
Monitoring will include attendance logs, volunteer tracking, simple wellbeing surveys, participant stories and photos, and six-monthly reports for the funder.
Key Message
“For many of our women, especially recent arrivals from Ukraine, this project is more than a trip — it’s a gentle journey toward confidence, connection and peace of mind in their new home.”