A programme aimed at promoting wellbeing in men is set to be launched in Wiltshire.

Wiltshire Council and Wiltshire Wildlife Trust are joining forces to introduce the next series of 'Wellbeing in Nature' for men aged 20 to 59.

Following its initial success earlier this year, two additional programmes are scheduled for October.

The first will begin on October 21 in Chippenham, and the second on October 26 in Salisbury, and both will span 12 weeks.

The free initiative aims to foster improved wellbeing through nature-based physical activities, encouraging participants to forge strong social networks.

The programme's sessions will be tailored according to the interests of attendees.

Activities on offer include hiking, woodwork, and bushcraft skills, complemented by wellbeing techniques such as stress management.

A participant shared the positive impact the programme had on their mental state, saying: "I'm learning to take time to sit with myself and enjoy nature."

Councillor Ian Blair-Pilling, cabinet member for public health, said: "It's great that we've been able to continue working alongside Wiltshire Wildlife Trust on such an important initiative.

"The programme provides participants with the knowledge and practical tools they need to improve their mental wellbeing, and the support to create new habits to encourage positive behaviour change – which is why this is a great first step for those who are struggling."

He added: "We want this programme to be as accessible as possible which is why one of them will run on a Saturday, to help remove a barrier for those who work during the week."

Mr Blair-Pilling encouraged men who find it difficult to discuss their mental health to participate, describing the programme as a "safe and supportive environment".

Dave Turner, course leader at Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, added: "I can clearly remember the first time the group met at Trowbridge Train Station, a group of individual men who’d never met, all looking quite nervous, apprehensive, and scattered around the car park, gradually one by one approaching the minibus.

"It was so fulfilling to see their individual journeys throughout the 12 weeks, as their confidence and self-esteem grew, as we exposed them to a variety of nature-based activities, including whittling, willow craft, campfire cooking, poetry, wildlife walks and mindfulness, the purpose to equip them with tools and strategies for helping improve and maintain their own mental health.

"Personally, for me it was really satisfying and warming to see them start to support each other and start to form bonds."