AN ecotherapy project that attempts to tackle the growing problem of loneliness has launched a new hub in Bolton as the project looks to expand their work into Greater Manchester.

Myplace, an ecotherapy partnership project between the Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside and the Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust has been running successfully for three years.

Becoming socially isolated, they claim, is a huge issue in today’s society.

In a report conducted by the Mental Health Foundation it was found that 48% of people feel they are getting lonelier in general.

Myplace participant, Lucy said: “Being in nature really helped my recovery, it calmed my mind and body and slowly enabled me to start making connections with others. It was great to relate and see that others were having similar experiences and so made me feel not so alone.

“I then found myself looking forward to going to the group and after time I started to become myself again. Overall I found Myplace was a key stepping stone in my recovery to becoming more stable and well in myself.”

The project claims a person does not even have to be alone to feel lonely as society’s growing reliance on social technology rather than face-to-face interaction is thought to be making people feel more isolated than ever before.

Myplace Project Officer, Adam Berry, said: “What can you expect from a Myplace session? A warm welcome, a friendly open space to be yourself and activities that will inspire you about nature - and maybe help you discover your new favourite thing.”

Free, weekly sessions incorporate a range of activities from wildlife walks to bushcraft and practical conservation which not only benefit a person’s health and wellbeing but also improve local green spaces for wildlife and people alike.

The group in Bolton is based at The Hive in Moss Bank Park with sessions every Wednesday and Thursday.

If you think you or someone you know could benefit from the work, get in touch with Adam Berry, Project Officer by email aberry@lancswt.org.uk or phone 01772 872007.