Positive Steps Outdoors (PSO) promotes positive mental and physical health within communities and employees across Northern Ireland / Ireland.

A new social enterprise (profit with a social purpose), we connect people to majestic upland, moorland and forested environments, and each other, helping communities and individuals manage life’s pressures, build sustainable networks, strengthen future resilience and deepen their affinity with the environment. Our ‘green therapy’ service comprises tailored hikes in iconic locations, supporting positive mental health at an early stage or when overcoming ill health.

The community participants include those living with PTSD, people overcoming addiction, individuals moving on from negative mental health and vulnerable refugees. In some cases, they have not left urban areas in months or years. They may have no prior experience of the outdoors environment, minimal disposable income, and limited friendship networks. The private and public sector employees that join us have busy roles, might be experiencing stress and anxiety and be struggling with work / life balance. Often time poor, with periods of low energy and self-esteem, they can feel isolated and worried with limited support to call on. PSO offers individuals unique opportunities to feel recharged, to increase their awareness of the benefits of physical activity in the outdoors, improve their social and work connections and wider support networks, helping to address feelings of seclusion, while gaining greater environmental awareness.

PSO is an initiative brought together by like-interested people drawn from the orienteering, fell running and mountain hiking community, comprising MTA members. The next stage in our journey is on the horizon. We have bid for National Lottery funding and received support to buy equipment from the Alpkit Foundation, which will enable us to deliver further programmes over the spring and summer 2023. We will hold our launch event on the 19th May 23, aimed at the leaders of communities, charities and businesses, to learn about mental health and green therapy. If you would like to attend please register via the our website or get in touch.

We need the support of experienced Lowland, Hill and Moorland and Mountain Leaders, as well as coaches and volunteers, to deliver our services. If you are qualified or on that journey and are interested in finding out about our Leader and Volunteer Pool get in touch. As we provide services to organisations programmes can run midweek (2 or 3 events a month over the spring and summer). We pay qualified leaders competitive day rates, with mileage, and offer mountain leadership opportunities for those progressing towards qualifications who volunteers with us. But it’s not all about having qualifications and experience; temperament is key too. The essential traits we are looking for also include being self-assured with the right balance of gravitas and quiet authority in the background combined with listening, befriending and encouraging skills. You need to be patient, and flexible, with a good sense of humour, able to move effortlessly amongst a group, whilst engaging a diverse range of people. Above all you need to be able to elevate the needs of others above your own, ensuring the day is all about the participants wellbeing.