Recognition for NHS Tayside mental health well-being project
A ‘Healing Spaces’ project which helps improve the well-being, long-term recovery and mental health of patients across NHS Tayside has been highly commended at the 2025 Nature of Scotland Awards.
The initiative empowers people to connect with nature, themselves, and one another, improving well-being, biodiversity and long-term recovery. Healing Spaces is transforming care across inpatient and community learning disability services and mental health services across NHS Tayside, embedding nature as a partner in recovery from the Carseview Recovery Garden’s “wee forest” to community projects at Hawkhill Day Hospital.
Lorna Strachan, occupational therapy team lead, with RSPB partners, attended the awards ceremony, hosted by BBC Springwatch presenter Lolo Williams and BBC Scotland Landward presenter Arlene Stuart, in Edinburgh. .
She said: “For me, this recognition isn’t just about an award - it’s about celebrating the people, partnerships, and creativity that have brought the project to life.
"It shows what’s possible when we work together to make nature accessible, inclusive, and part of everyday recovery. It’s wonderful that Healing Spaces is helping both people and places thrive.”
This award reflects the dedication of patients, staff, and partners including RSPB Scotland, The Wild Dundee Project, Bellrock Facilities Management, Hawkhill Day Hospital, Carseview Centre and Craigmill Skills Centre, proving that healing happens when people and nature thrive together.