The Thrive Team receiving their Nature of Scotland Health & Wellbeing Award
Photo Credit: Mike Wilkinson, RSPB
The Green Team’s Thrive Programme won the Health and Wellbeing Award at RSPB Scotland’s Nature of Scotland Awards 2022 announced at a glittering event on 17th November at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre.
Thrive uses positive activities in nature to help young people improve their mental wellbeing. It is best summarised by a recent participant:
“This day has given me the opportunity to do something to take care of myself and give something back to nature too. That feels really good”
The programme, led by Kate Hedges, supports 60 young people, through 50 sessions, each year. Participants are referred by schools and organisations such as Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).
Penny Radway, CEO of The Green Team said of the Award:
“What a great night and how fantastic to have this programme recognised for all the huge transformations it achieves with young people. We are feeling very proud!”
Co-sponsored by NatureScot, the awards took place at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) on November 17th and were hosted by wildlife presenter Iolo Williams and radio and tv presenter Arlene Stuart.
The ceremony recognised the individuals and organisations making a difference in their local communities, businesses and schools to support Scotland’s wildlife and special places for nature .
Following the success of the public vote for Nature Champion of the Decade in 2021, those with an interest in nature were invited to vote for this year’s Citizen Science Award, which was given to the UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme (UKBMS).
Anne McCall, Director of RSPB Scotland said: “A huge congratulations to all the winners of this year’s Nature of Scotland Awards.
“The time, energy and hard work you put into your projects is testament to Scotland’s passion for our wildlife and natural heritage, and our desire to preserve it. Now, more than ever, we all must do our bit to look after the nature that makes Scotland so special, and to ensure the legislations which protect our treasured species and landscapes are as strong as they can be. If we keep having to fight to defend what we already have, we’ll never make any progress.
“Thank you to everyone who entered, and keep up the good work. I can’t wait to see what you have achieved by next year’s Awards!”
Mike Cantlay, Chair of awards co-sponsor NatureScot, said:
“Communities, organisations and individuals have the power to inspire and mobilise us towards our shared goal of a nature-rich, net zero Scotland, and this year’s Nature of Scotland award winners are the perfect example of that. Across education, science, business, health and group projects, these outstanding winners show that Scotland is aiming high to protect its unique habitats and species as we tackle the challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss.”
