Context

The climate crisis has a significant impact on our mental well-being. Many people feel anxious about these changes. At the same time, many people are disconnected from nature because of their disability, their personal situation or their lifestyle. However, reconnecting with nature can reduce anxiety, improve mental health and raise awareness of the importance of preserving biodiversity.

Objectives and priorities of the INE project

The INE (Inclusive Nature Experiences) project aims to:

  • Helping people reconnect with nature to improve their well-being and happiness.
  • Encourage a better understanding of the importance of protecting nature and biodiversity.
  • Support educators, social workers and carers in organising inclusive activities related to nature.

The priorities of the project are to:

  1. Making activities connected with nature accessible to all, including people with disabilities or learning difficulties.
  2. Promoting mental and physical health through outdoor experiences.
  3. Promoting inclusion and environmental awareness.

Target groups

The INE project is aimed at:

  • People with disabilities or learning difficulties.
  • Young people, social workers, educators and carers who wish to develop inclusive nature-related activities.
  • Anyone who wants to take advantage of nature to improve their well-being.

Key activities

  1. INE training programme: A programme designed to help educators, social workers and carers organise inclusive activities in connection with nature.
  2. Ebooks and inspiration cards: Simple and practical resources for sharing ideas about health and nature, adapted for people with disabilities or learning difficulties.
  3. Regional conferences and INE guide: Events and a guide to share knowledge and good practices on inclusion and nature.

Expected impact

In the short term, the INE project will enable:

  • To provide concrete and accessible tools for organising inclusive activities in connection with nature.
  • Improve the well-being of participants by reducing their anxiety.

In the medium term, the project aims to:

  • Raise awareness among as many people as possible of the importance of reconnecting with nature.
  • Encouraging a more inclusive approach to nature-related activities.
  • Contribute to the preservation of biodiversity by making participants aware of its importance.

To find out more, visit the project website: ine-project.eu

Les partenaires

A.R.T. Fusion

Romania

A.R.T. Fusion, A for Attitude, R for Reality, T for Transformation, is an association created in 2005, which uses forum theatre (an interactive theatre method) and non-formal education methods to work in two strategic directions: global responsibility (taking care of the planet) and social responsibility (taking care of people).

LebensGroß GmbH

Austria

LebensGroß GmbH is a leading service provider for people with disabilities and/or other social disadvantages. It also supports the company in dismantling barriers to a socially inclusive society. Since its inception, LebensGroß has extended its range of services to young people at risk (e.g. children under 18), and today focuses on people at risk of social exclusion.

Zavod RISA

Slovenia

Institute RISA is a centre for general, functional, and cultural literacy which possesses a large european network in the fields of disability and human rights. In addition to being the first organisation to systematically introduce and develop the concept of Easy-to-read (Easy language) in Slovenia, the Centre organises training on accessibility of information for mental health and social care professionals.