Adventure Therapy in Early Intervention in Psychosis (EIP) describes a range of activities that allow for exploration and discovery within a safe and well-supported environment.
Activities take many forms and use the natural environment to encourage the growth of personal and social well-being and the opportunity to learn new skills.
Each EIP service in Wales offers an adventure therapy programme as part of the care and treatment offered for the individuals they work with.
The activities are wide-ranging, from a walk in the local park to climbing Pen y Fan. There is no expectation that you do anything that feels too much, but challenge is encouraged and participants are always well supported by EIP staff and trained activity leaders.
Adventure Therapy has many benefits, including
- Bringing people together
- Spend time outdoors
- Improving physical health
- Offering a chance to try new activities and have new experiences
- Learning about ourselves, about what we can achieve
- Opportunity to practice skills
- Have fun!
Third-sector partners have been heavily involved in developing the EIP programme both locally and nationally and together with EIP representatives work closely as part of the EIP adventure therapy workstream group that focuses on evidencing the benefit of activity in supporting recovery and expanding the offer across Wales.
Organisations involved include Adferiad mental health and addiction support services, The Outdoor Partnership, and Coed Lleol.
Examples of the adventure therapy approach
In 2023 several groups of people working with EIP services across Wales took part in three co-ordinated activities. The experiences were captured on film and shows how Adventure Therapy supports their recovery.
Adventure therapy is helping people in Wales to recover from psychosis
In 2021, nine EIP services from across UK collaborated to take part in a ‘Voyage to Discovery’, sailing around the UK coastline. The North Wales EIP service was involved in this epic experience.