Carter, Bernie

Background: The number of children with complex health care needs continues to rise and they often have prolonged hospital stays with their discharge home being delayed by a range of factors. These delays occur despite the fact that, except in extraordinary circumstances, a child's home is the most appropriate place for them to receive long-term care.

Children’s well-being is linked to a complex web of factors including the child’s personality, inherent protective mechanisms, family relationships, social capital, and economic status. Young carers are particularly at risk from poor mental health outcomes and low well-being. In this study the impact of immersive activities in nature on the well-being of 8 young carers (3 girls and 5 boys; aged 9–13 years) was explored. The immersive woodland activities included practical skills such as fire making, cooking, and using tools as well as team building and activities to help build trust.