Exploring service users’ and staff’s perspectives of outdoor clinical sessions

Exploring service users’ and staff’s perspectives of outdoor clinical sessions
Anjali Dave Assistant psychologist, Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, Leicester, England
Kelly Fenton Clinical psychologist, Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, Leicester, England
Jansi Ganatra Assistant psychologist, Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, Leicester, England
Craig Griffiths Clinical psychologist, Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, Leicester, England
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Why you should read this article:
To be aware of the wide-ranging benefits of outdoor clinical sessions for staff and service users

To read about service user and staff’s experiences of engaging in outdoor clinical sessions

To recognise that outdoor sessions can offer a way of engaging people with severe and enduring mental health issues in longer-term interventions

There is growing interest in outdoor therapy sessions, which appear to have physical and mental health benefits, but there is still a lack of research in this area. A service evaluation was undertaken in a community rehabilitation service to explore the perspectives of service users and staff on outdoor clinical sessions. The rehabilitation team members work with people with severe and enduring mental health issues towards community reintegration. All participants had positive views of outdoor sessions, which were described as supporting people to overcome anxiety, develop confidence and reconnect with the community. Suggestions on how to improve the sessions included staff training and allocating more time. Difficulties included the unpredictability of the environment, logistical barriers and maintaining confidentiality.