Victoria experienced long periods of lockdown during COVID-19. Resulted in long term effects on individuals’ physical and mental health as well as withdrawal and loss of connection with the community. The Re-Set program was developed by a Victorian rural public health service with the aim of providing an early intervention to create a healthy community, and thus reduce reliance on tertiary health response.

Utilising the evidence-based practices of Bush Adventure Therapy, Equine Therapy and Surf Therapy, the Re-Set program was offered to adults in the Southern Grampians region who self-identified a decline in their physical or mental health and connection to their community since COVID-19. Previous research suggests these therapies benefit both general physical health and mental health outcomes, specifically addressing anxiety, depression and trauma. Engagement in these therapies was anticipated to improve participants physical and mental health and consequently prepare them to be more accepting towards fostering positive community connections.

During the four month program, participants took part in experiencing Bushwalking on the Grampians Peaks Trail, ground based work with horses and surf therapy. In total 14 days were devoted to these activities. Group meeting were incorporated as activity briefing, debriefing, or health information session provided from Allied Health Practitioners. At the conclusion of the program, each participant developed a community health action plan to re-connect with their community.

The Re-Set Project was developed with research component with pre and post measures developed for physical. Mental and Community Health indicators. The research is conducted as a Pilot study with both Qualitative and Quantitative methodology.

Pre and post-program surveys were conducted to measure changes in physical and mental health and community engagement. At the concluding celebration dinner, participants presented on their overall experience, thematic analysis was then undertaken. The findings from this pilot study will be presented at the conference.

Three Key Learnings:

1. To identify positive health benefits contributed to involvement in an early intervention nature-based intervention.
2. To further understand specific health benefits from being involved in evidence-based interventions including Bush Adventure Therapy, Equine Therapy and Surf Therapy.
3. To explore whether improvements in individual’s physical and mental health can translate to motivation to increase connection to their local community and general Community health.