Tweed Valley Trail Therapy (TVTT) was initially started as a result of securing funding from Borders Community Action’s Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund to deliver an 18-month pilot using mountain biking and time in nature to support adults in the Tweed Valley who experience poor mental health, including anxiety, depression, trauma, low confidence and social isolation. - The volunteer-led organisation has developed a team of four fully trained Trail Therapy Practitioners, qualified in mountain bike leadership, trail therapy and mental health first aid. - TVTT delivers structured six-week blocks, introductory taster sessions and ongoing activities that combine progressive cycling skills, supportive group interaction, outdoor activity and reflection. - The pilot originally planned four blocks for 24 people; it delivered five blocks, reaching an estimated 28 participants through 168 interventions. - The project has benefited the community by providing an accessible, inclusive and low-cost route to improved mental and physical wellbeing. Participant feedback and early findings indicate greater confidence, relaxation, enjoyment and connection, while informal post-session discussions show that people value the opportunity to overcome fears, learn new skills and spend restorative time outdoors with others. - Partnership with Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland has widened access, strengthened evaluation and increased long-term capacity.

Tweed Valley Trail Therapy CIC’s stakeholders are: - Adults experiencing poor mental health who participate in the programme. - Participants in partner programmes, including women-only groups and people aged 55 and over. - Referral and delivery partners, including Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland. - Borders Community Action and the Scottish Government as funders and supporters. - The company’s directors, volunteers and Trail Therapy Practitioners. - Equipment suppliers and supporters. - The wider Tweed Valley community and organisations that may refer future participants or adopt the delivery model. Participants are consulted throughout each six-week programme. At the beginning and end of sessions, they describe how they feel using a “what three words” activity. Informal discussions over refreshments after each session allow participants to reflect on their experience and suggest adjustments. Feedback is recorded verbatim where appropriate. The Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale is often used to measure changes in wellbeing. Partner organisations are consulted through regular discussions and post-block review meetings. These reviews consider participant outcomes, delivery arrangements and opportunities for improvement. Volunteers, suppliers and the funder have also been consulted about training, equipment and budget changes. Feedback has led the company to: - Adjust programme days and times to suit participants and supporting staff. - Introduce mid-week evening sessions for working participants. - Offer low-commitment taster sessions before full programme blocks. - Schedule additional six-week blocks following positive feedback and requests. - Increase access to equipment, including electric bikes, and expand the stock of loanable helmets, jackets and gloves. - Recruit an additional qualified volunteer to increase delivery capacity. - Strengthen referral arrangements and partnerships. - Refine session plans, evaluation methods and operating procedures. - Agree budget revisions with Borders Community Action. - Use consultation evidence to support the longer-term goal of sustainable delivery.

No remuneration was received

No transfer of assets other than for full consideration