Fed highlights benefits of Wellbeing Outdoor Programme

30 June 2026

A Hertfordshire Police outdoor wellbeing initiative is receiving glowing feedback from those who have taken part – including members of the Federation branch team.

The Wellbeing Outdoor Programme aims to use the power of nature to boost officer and staff health and wellbeing.

The initiative, run by the Force Wellbeing Team, provides an opportunity to spend time in nature away from screens, phones and workplace demands.

Set within peaceful countryside surroundings, people can take part in activities such as guided walks, breathwork, outdoor games and campfire discussions, or simply enjoy the environment at their own pace.

 

 

Federation representative James Stopford attended a recent session with colleagues and said his experience highlighted to him the value of the programme for individuals and teams.

He said: “We refer our members and our teams there, so it was nice to go along as a Federation team and see the space they have.

"It gave us a chance to see exactly what the programme offers and understand why it can be so effective.

There is absolutely no pressure to take part in anything you don't want to do. You can join in with activities, go for a walk or just enjoy the space. It's about getting out of it what you personally need.

Team bonding

“It was also nice for us as well to have that space for the morning and have that team bonding.

“As a team, we are so busy, and we can’t talk about our jobs because it’s personal to people.

“We are often working with members who are off sick, facing misconduct investigations, considering ill-health retirement or dealing with other difficult circumstances, so it was nice for us to be able to step away and spend time together in that setting.

“It was also reassuring to see the investment the Force is making in officer wellbeing through initiatives like this.”

James said the programme can benefit teams across the Constabulary, particularly those regularly exposed to demanding and traumatic investigations.

James said: “There are teams that may have dealt with a succession of difficult incidents and simply need an opportunity to get out together and reconnect.

Engagement

“There’s no phone signal there, so it’s that engagement with people not with a screen, and it can make a real difference.”

The programme is in its second year and has so far helped around 350 officers and staff.

Feedback from those who have attended sessions has been overwhelmingly positive.

One participant said: “I absolutely loved the short time that we had there. It was so nice not to be under any pressure to do things.

“Being in nature is, for me, the best form of entertainment.

“Every team in the police should do this at least once. No rank, just a team spending time together."

Activities

Another attendee said: "The location is amazing.

“I really liked the walk and fire, but I also enjoyed the breathwork and games. I'm recommending it to anyone who will listen.”

A supervisor who attended with their team described the programme as ‘just the sort of thing the constabulary needs’, adding they had already encouraged other teams to enquire about taking part.

Others highlighted the calming effect of the surroundings and activities on offer.

“The setting was amazing and really enabled me to completely relax and switch off,” said one officer.

“I found the breathwork techniques particularly helpful, and it was a great reminder of everything we have to be grateful for.”

Another participant added: “I really enjoyed the time out and would love to come along again.

Wellbeing

“The nature walk was lovely, and it was great to spend time away from the usual demands of work.”

Joanne Healey of the Force Wellbeing Team is a driving force behind the project.

She said: “I’ve always enjoyed nature, through my sport as a field archer.

“I then started to study it more to be come an outdoor therapist – non-clinical but using nature to help healing, especially mental health.

“I am continuing my studies to become a forest school leader, which I can use to start developing a programme that helps our policing families.”

For more information on the Wellbeing Outdoor Programme email joanne.healey@herts.police.uk

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