Plans to create new outdoor wellbeing space in Coatbridge

The successful transfer will allow Rural Rest to transform the current space near Cecil Street into a welcoming, multi-purpose outdoor community asset designed to support mental health, wellbeing, social connection and personal development. The organisation’s vision is to create a dedicated drop-in outdoor wellbeing space offering a range of non-medical supports and activities. These will include therapeutic and recreational sessions, nature-based workshops, volunteering opportunities, skills development, as well as informal spaces where people can meet, rest and relax. Rural Rest believes that access to the right support at the right time can make a significant difference to people’s wellbeing. Charlene from Rural Rest said: “We are absolutely delighted to have reached this important milestone and to have secured the asset through the Community Asset Transfer process. This is the beginning of an exciting new chapter for us and, most importantly, for the community we want to serve. “Our vision is to create a safe, welcoming outdoor space where people can come as they are, connect with others, spend time in nature and take part in activities that support their wellbeing. “We want the space to be inclusive and accessible, providing opportunities for relaxation, creativity, learning, volunteering and social connection. “We believe that prevention and early intervention have an important role to play in supporting mental health and wellbeing. By creating a non-medical, community-led environment, Rural Rest can offer people another route to support before challenges become more difficult to manage. “We are grateful to North Lanarkshire Council for recognising the potential of our vision and supporting us through the asset transfer process.” Councillor Geraldine Woods, Convener of Communities, welcomed the successful transfer and the benefits it could bring to local residents. She said: “Community Asset Transfer is about putting local communities at the heart of decisions about assets and creating opportunities for community organisations to develop services that respond directly to local needs. Rural Rest has a positive and ambitious vision for this space, and I am delighted to see that vision progressing. “The proposed outdoor wellbeing space has the potential to provide a fantastic range of opportunities for people to connect, learn, volunteer, enjoy nature and support their mental health and wellbeing in an informal and welcoming setting. “North Lanarkshire Council is committed to working with communities to help them take greater ownership and responsibility for local assets. I wish Rural Rest every success as it moves forward with its plans, and I look forward to seeing the space develop and the benefits it will bring to the community.” Community Asset Transfers are a way for community groups and voluntary organisations to take responsibility for buildings, land or public facilities, with the aim of creating successful community assets that deliver social, economic and environmental benefits for local people. Rural Rest aims to remove some of the barriers people can face when seeking mental health and wellbeing support, while complementing existing services and helping to reduce pressure on the healthcare system through early intervention and prevention. With the transfer now secured, Rural Rest can focus on developing the space and building partnerships and opportunities that will help bring this vision to life.