Treetops Hospice, a leading end-of-life and palliative care charity in Derbyshire, is at the forefront of innovative research into the therapeutic benefits of Forest Bathing, with the aim of making it truly accessible for all.
The research, the first of its kind in a hospice setting, explores how Forest Bathing can be adapted to support people receiving palliative care. Weekly hour-long sessions are currently taking place in the hospice’s tranquil grounds, led by Rachel Pitzettu, a Community Support Coordinator at the Motor Neurone Disease Association and a postgraduate researcher at Nottingham Trent University.
Each session is carefully tailored to meet the mobility and energy levels of participants, ensuring a safe and inclusive experience that connects them with the natural world.
Talking about her research, Rachel said: “For people accessing a hospice setting, accessing Forest Bathing may be difficult. This research is bringing something which is well documented, and evidence based, into a small scale more manageable package.
“The population and demographic we’re working with is very pioneering. No research has previously taken place with Forest Bathing in a palliative care setting or hospice setting. Hopefully the findings can be used to put together a guide for other hospices about how they can use some of the nature connection techniques in therapeutic sessions.”
Charlotte Budd, Occupational Therapist, at Treetops Hospice added: “We’re delighted to part of this groundbreaking project to evaluate the benefits on wellbeing of adapted Forest Bathing in a hospice setting.
“The people who have taken part in the project so far have really enjoyed the experience and learned techniques that they have been able to replicate at home, to gain physiological and psychological benefits. The fact that these sessions are offered to people with varying levels of mobility, including wheelchair users, has really been welcomed by those who attend Treetops.”
The research will run until October and could mark a turning point in how hospices across the UK integrate nature-based therapies into their services.
Treetops Hospice, one of the leading end-of-life care charities in Derby, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, provides nursing care and emotional support for adults with life-limiting conditions, those who’ve been bereaved, and their families. Every year, Treetops provides vital care and support to over 2,000 people across Derbyshire.
Treetops is doing all it can to continue to support those in most need and welcomes donations to ensure the future of the hospice and its services: www.treetopshospice.org.uk/donate
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Photo thumbnail: Rachel Pitzettu, Researcher at Nottingham Trent University who is carrying out the Forest Bathing research at Treetops Hospice
About Treetops Hospice
Treetops Hospice, one of the leading end-of-life care charities in Derby, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, provides nursing care and emotional support for adults with life-limiting conditions, those who’ve been bereaved, and their families.
The charity provides support from diagnosis onwards for patients with conditions such as cancer, motor neurone disease and heart and respiratory conditions.
Last year, our team of nurses provided over 22,000 hours of nursing care for patients at the very end of life, in their own homes.
Our team of bereavement counsellors provided over 4,600 counselling sessions – more than 1,200 of them to children and young people. Our Wellbeing team members provide valuable information and support to those who need it.
Treetops Hospice Trust, Derby Road, Risley, Derbyshire, DE72 3SS
0115 949 1264 | http://www.treetopshospice.org.uk
Registered Charity Number 519540
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