NHS Forth Valley – Greenspace

The Stirling Health and Care Village greenspace development programme aims to realise the benefits of the natural environment with the help of partners, staff and volunteers.

The programme provides access to activities within the Greenspace, encourages individuals and communities to engage with nature through the Green Gym, opens opportunities to participate as Friends of Green Space (FROGS) volunteers, and recognises participants through its Natural Health Award.

Activities in the Greenspace

There are regular opportunities to take part in activities within the Stirling Health and Care Village. We have the Green Room, the Blether Bench, The Green Gym, and Bellfield Centre Greenspace.

The Green Room

The Green Room is located opposite the RVS Cafe and it serves as a hub for volunteers, craft sessions and walking groups. Volunteers have been instrumental in setting up the snail trail, bee friendly planning and the fairy garden.

The Blether Bench

The Blether Bench is a place where people can sit and chat outside. They can do some weeding to help maintain the planters and equipment can be borrowed from the Green Room. There are picnic tables close to the building and around the site for people to take a few moments in the fresh air.

The Green Gym

The Green Gym is run weekly by one of our partners, TCV. It provides the opportunity for people to get involved in and enjoy gardening around the estate. It is a great way to get some exercise, learn new skills and meet people whilst improving the outdoor environment.

Join the Green Gym today

Main Contact: Krissy Stevenson

Address: Stirling Health and Care Village, Green Gym, Outpatients Centre, Stirling Community Hospital, Livilands Gate, Stirling, FK8 2AU

Telephone: 07825056572

Email: krissy.stevenson@tcv.org.uk

Website: www.tcv.org.uk/scotland

Friends of the Greenspace Volunteers

The Friends of Green Space (FROGS) at Stirling Health and Care Village is a partnership of individuals and organisations including the Clackmannanshire and Stirling Community Heath and Care partnership, the NHS, TCV (The Conservation Volunteers), RVS (Royal Voluntary Service) and RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Programme).

The grassed areas around the site have been transformed over the last year to make sitting areas, garden areas, play areas and peaceful areas for patients, staff and the general public to enjoy.

The team needs your help to continue to provide a programme of occasional activities for residents in the Bellfield Centre, people who use the site and for the local community. There are opportunities to join the different organisations working together. No experience is necessary and support and training will be offered to volunteers.

Natural Health Award

There has been increasing recognition in recent years of the health benefits that occur as a result of getting outside into nature.

The Natural Health Award was developed by NHS Forth Valley Health Improvement Service in partnership with the Scottish Childminding Association. It is suitable for all ages from early years to older adults and has also been adapted for residential homes.

Participation in the award can strengthen relationships and improve wellbeing. It makes activities more fun and is motivational to those taking part.

There are accompanying resources such as forms and stickers that help people think about how the award has brought them closer to nature and had a beneficial effect on themselves and those around them. People can also gain a certificate for taking part.

To find out more email fv.naturalhealthaward@nhs.scot

Download the Natural Health Award here