Nature for Life – Well-being Initiative

For Adults with Neurodiversity and Intellectual Disability

What is Nature for Life?

Nature for Life is a friendly group program in Canberra for adults with neurodiversity and intellectual disability. We meet in school terms for weekly walks, gardening, and creative activities in beautiful outdoor spaces. Our sessions are run by occupational therapists and are adapted for all abilities.

Why Join?

Many adults with disability in Australia have few chances to join nature-based group programs, even though these activities can help with stress, mood, and making friends.

Over 75% of Australians with intellectual disability experience a mental health condition, compared to 38% of the general population (Arnold & Huang, 2025; AIHW, 2024).

There are very few regular, inclusive nature-based programs for adults with disability, and most are only short-term or in limited locations (Vic Gov, 2025; RACGP, 2023). Nature for Life helps fill this gap—so you can feel good, connect with others, and thrive.

Who Can Join?

The Nature for Life initiative is designed for adults with neurodiversity and intellectual disability, including those who may experience higher rates of stress, anxiety, depression, and social isolation compared to the general population. Our program is inclusive, accessible, and welcomes individuals of all abilities who are seeking meaningful, supportive, and enjoyable outdoor experiences.

Where and When?

Mondays, 10am

Varies between seasons at the Arboretum & Australian National Botanic Gardens

What Will We Do?

• Gentle group walks

• Creative art

• Sensory-friendly and accessible activities

• Social time and making friends in a supportive group

Our Goals

• Increase participation in enjoyable, nature-based activities

• Reduce stress, anxiety, and depression through regular outdoor experiences

• Build friendships and reduce isolation by connecting people in the community

• Support inclusion and belonging in a group where everyone is valued

Why It Matters

Adults with disability often face:

• High rates of stress, anxiety, and depression

• Social isolation and loneliness

• Fewer chances to join group programs in nature

• Barriers to community participation.

Nature for Life was created to change this and help you feel good, make friends, and thrive.

Outcomes

By participating in Nature for Life, adults with neurodiversity and intellectual disability can expect to:

• Experience reduced stress and anxiety through regular engagement in nature-based activities

• Improve mood and emotional wellbeing by participating in supportive group session.

• Build social connections and reduce feelings of isolation

• Increase participation in meaningful, occupation-based activities that promote health and inclusion.

These outcomes are supported by evidence showing that nature-based interventions can significantly improve mental health and social engagement for people with intellectual disability and neurodiversity (Bundy et al., 2022; Arnold & Huang, 2025).

Try Nature for Life!

Want to feel better, connect, and enjoy nature?

Try a session and see how it makes you feel!

How You Can Support Us

To keep Nature for Life running, we need:

• New participants to join the group

• Support from carers, support coordinators, and allied health professionals for referrals and encouragement

• Access to safe, accessible outdoor spaces

• Community partnerships, volunteers, and funding for materials and transport.

References

Arnold, S., & Huang, Y. (2025). Mental health of people with intellectual disability in New South Wales. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 59(4), 412–420.

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2024). People with disability in Australia. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/disability/people-with-disability-in-australia

RACGP. (2023). Nature prescribing in general practice. Australian Journal of General Practice, 52(4), 203-206.

Vic Gov. (2025). Inclusive Victoria: State Disability Plan Midway Report. https://www.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-01/inclusive-victoria_state-disability-plan-midway-report.pdf