13-19 year olds across Somerset are being encouraged to join a new research study.

The study aims to find out if support groups can be more beneficial when conducted in an outdoor setting. Participants in the study will be able to choose between two groups, a nature or indoor group.

They will explore different ways of dealing with low mood and be able to talk to people of a similar age with similar experiences.  Participants will also be entered into a prize draw with two £75 vouchers on offer. 

Heather Stephenson, trainee clinical psychologist at the NHS Somerset Foundation Trust is leading the research in collaboration with the University of Exeter. Heather said: “There are lots of evidence-based treatments for young people experiencing depression but these are not equally effective for everyone. Contact with nature has been linked with reduced symptoms of depression and distress and improvements to wellbeing, attention and quality of life.” 

She added: “I know the benefits being outdoors in nature can provide. It can create a new way for people to relate to each other, feel more comfortable and accessible and open up conversations, that weren’t possible in clinical spaces.“ The study comes as NHS data revealed a 39% rise in year-on-year referrals for NHS mental health treatment for under 18s. 

Dr Elaine Lockhart, chairwoman of the child and adolescent psychiatry faculty at the Royal College of Psychiatrists, told Sky News that the surge of referrals for children and young people reflects a "whole range" of illnesses. Mental health outcomes for young people appear to be worsening over time.

In December 2021 the Health and Social Committee’s inquiry into Children and Young People’s Mental Health reported: “According to NHS data, the mental health of children and young people has worsened since 2017. Even before the pandemic, children and young people were facing a mental health crisis.... [R]isks to mental health have been greatly exacerbated by heightened academic expectations and the ubiquity of social media.... Three lockdowns and the social distancing requirements of the pandemic have made the situation worse.” 

Persons interested in the nature study can contact Heather on  [email protected] to find out more or get involved.