Feed the Birds is a ground-breaking project, using a nature-based approach to tackle health issues.
The project is aiming to help people who are lonely and/or socially isolated get closer to nature, by feeding the birds in their garden with the help of a volunteer who visits each week. Feeding garden birds and talking to an enthusiastic helper is proving to have simple but profound benefits to those involved.
Working alongside Shropshire Clinical Commissioning Group and Telford and Wrekin Council we have so far trained 30 volunteers, with 20 beneficiaries being visited. It has been overwhelming to witness the difference this project has made for beneficiaries, their families and even the volunteers.
It has become apparent that having a regular visit from a friendly face who is not a health professional, chatting about a shared interest, doing something positive and taking responsibility for the birds builds confidence, provides enjoyment and contributes to improved health and wellbeing. We are also feeding bird sightings into the National databases to help research into bird trends across the country.
For more information please contact: Diane Monether Volunteer Coordinator dianem@shropshirewildlifetrust.org.uk or 01743284280
https://www.shropshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/help-wildlife/feed-birds