LEADERS working with disadvantaged groups in Catterick Garrison have received free training to learn how to improve the health and well-being of their clients by spending time in the great outdoors.

Gail Smith, community worker at Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust (YDMT) delivered the training as part of the charity’s award-winning People and the Dales project – a nationally recognised successful outreach project.

Ms Smith said: “This training was designed for community groups working with disadvantaged people in and around the Catterick Garrison area, aiming to highlight the range of opportunities available outdoors in the local area to improve people’s health and wellbeing.

“Training events like this are a great way for us to cascade skills and knowledge so that as many people as possible are able to benefit from spending time outdoors.

“It’s great to see that group leaders seem to have been inspired to look at engaging in outdoor activities and the natural environment.”

Delegates received practical guidance on how to plan days out, read maps, conduct risk assessments and safely manage groups outside.

The group had the opportunity to put their training into practice whilst exploring a number of local green spaces and other locations nearby, including Foxglove Covert – a local nature reserve situated behind the Cambrai Lines within the garrison.