NHS Tayside Charitable Foundation Awards Support to Wild Workforce CIC for Nature-Based Health Workshops in Perthshire
PERTH, SCOTLAND – July 10, 2025 – NHS Tayside Charitable Foundation (NHSTCF) is pleased to announce its financial support for Wild Workforce CIC, a new community interest company dedicated to promoting green health activities and learning across Perthshire. Thanks to this funding from NHSTCF’s Innovation and Prevention Funds, 40 nature-based health workshops will be delivered in the region in the coming months, aiming to improve mental and physical wellbeing.
Wild Workforce CIC, established in April 2025, champions the growing recognition of Green Health – connecting with the natural environment – for its ability to reduce stress, improve mood, and help prevent long-term conditions.
Shelley McCarthy, Charity Chief Officer at NHS Tayside Charitable Foundation, commented on the partnership: “We’re delighted to support Wild Workforce in their inspiring work. At NHS Tayside Charitable Foundation, we believe strongly in the power of nature to promote mental wellbeing. This partnership reflects our shared ambition to build healthier, more resilient communities.”
Clare Stephen, Founder of Wild Workforce CIC, expressed her gratitude for the recognition: “We’re thrilled that NHS Tayside Charitable Foundation has recognised the growing need for Green Health provision in the region. The response has been overwhelmingly positive. We’re building on powerful evidence that connecting with nature reduces stress, while supporting emotional and physical resilience. We now have the ability to measure outcomes across a range of groups, including young people, NHS staff, and adult mental health services.”
The workshops will offer diverse activities such as bushcraft, movement for healthy ageing, nature crafts, walking, mindful practices, and outdoor games. Planned workshop sites include Kinnoull Hill, Blairgowrie, Perth Royal Infirmary grounds, and South Inch, ensuring widespread access across Perthshire.
Brian Jones, Trustee of NHS Tayside Charitable Foundation, highlighted the broader impact of this investment: “By investing in nature-based interventions like those delivered by Wild Workforce, we’re not only improving mental and physical wellbeing but also helping to build stronger, more connected communities across Perthshire.”
One of the first groups to sign up for the workshops is staff from PKAVS, a major Perth and Kinross charity. Shaheena Din, PKAVS Chief Executive, stated, “We’re delighted to be partnering with Wild Workforce CIC as part of our commitment to building a healthier, more compassionate workplace. Our values guide everything we do at PKAVS – and we know wellbeing starts from within. When we care for our people, we’re better placed to care for our community.”
The initiative aligns with NHS Tayside Charitable Foundation’s mission to support initiatives that help people live better and longer lives by fostering preventative health and community resilience.
About NHS Tayside Charitable Foundation
NHS Tayside Charitable Foundation is the charity arm that supports NHS Tayside hospitals and services. Its overall strategy is to provide vital support to NHS Tayside, making a big difference to patients and their families across the region by enhancing health and wellbeing across Tayside.
About Wild Workforce CIC
Wild Workforce CIC, founded in April 2025, is a community interest company dedicated to promoting green health activities and learning. They aim to connect individuals with the natural environment to reduce stress, improve mood, and prevent long-term health conditions, fostering resilience and community wellbeing
Contact:
Lauren Dailly
Head of Marketing Jigsaw Media on behalf of NHS Tayside Charitable Foundation
07944566086 / lauren@jigsawmedia.co.uk
NHS Tayside Charitable Foundation
NHS Tayside Charitable Foundation is the official charity of NHS Tayside and holds endowment property and funds for purposes relating to health services or research.
