03 Jan Sharing Nature’s Story

Sharing Nature’s Story

Timboon and District healthcare Service (TDHS) continues to keep people at the heart of all we do, providing high quality care and safe services. Our focus is to work with our community, including local organisations, to deliver integrated health and wellbeing services and to provide optimal wellbeing across the lifespan of our community.

Connection with nature is linked to a host of benefits including improved attention, reduced stress, better mood and benefits to mental health.

Parks Victoria offers different programs this Summer to get you out and about enjoying the health benefits of being outdoors no matter what age you are.

The Junior Ranger program encourages children to explore Victoria’s amazing parks and offers a range of free and fun activities for kids inspiring curiosity, discovery and connection. There are also ranger-guided activities available during school holidays and you can visit https://juniorrangers.vic.gov.au/events/ to see what’s on in your area and sparks your interest.

Participants enjoying the Junior Rangers program.

Amelia Handscombe, who has been a Ranger with Parks Victoria in Port Campbell for the past 5 years, has recently joined TDHS as the Health Promotion Officer on a part-time basis, while continuing her position at Parks Victoria.

“You can boost your mood simply by walking in nature, even in our beautiful towns. The sense of connection with the natural world contributes to happiness and health,” Amelia said.

Amelia’s fascination and enjoyment of nature is infectious. “Nature draws you into the present moment, you can’t be distracted by the stressful things while you’re in the moment. There is so much life in nature that you might not always notice or remember,” Amelia added.

Each year during the January school holidays, Coastcare Victoria coordinates the delivery of free “Summer by the Sea” activities all along the Victorian coastline. Activities during these school holidays include film night, workshops, rockpool ramble/guided beach walk and penguin gawk. More information and to book, please visit https://summerbythesea.vic.gov.au/. And if you want to continue spending time in nature, while helping to keep our amazing coast beautiful and healthy, then joining one of the many Coastcare groups as a volunteer might just be the thing for you!

Enjoying Summer by the Sea

TDHS released a trial of a Summer Wellness Program in December, developed by Amelia, which included Tai Chi sessions, walking groups, gardening for Health and some nutritional content including label reading. Stay tuned to our website and social channels to find out more information regarding more activities and session dates.