Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario Division, Hike Ontario, and Conservation Ontario are working together to provide opportunities for caregivers 55+ to improve their physical and mental well-being, make meaningful connection with their peers, and experience the healing effects of nature through a program called Mood Walks. The project is part of the ENRICHES collective impact project, which aims to improve the well-being and social connectedness of caregivers in the city of Toronto.

As part of this project, the Mood Walks program is offered in the language of your choice.

Local community partners can receive Mood Walks training for both staff and volunteers, and running the program in their local communities. Providing a program to support caregivers 55+ through safe hiking experiences is an easy way for local partners to  help caregivers create positive relationships, reduce social isolation and increase social inclusion. The project will deliver six Mood Walks programs in the city of Toronto. In addition, the project will be evaluated by a research team lead by Dr. Nasreen Khatri at Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest Hospital.

For more information on Mood Walks for Caregivers 55+, see the video below, which features staff and participants at the Scarborough Centre for Healthy Communities sharing their experience with the program.

Mood Walks program schedule:

For more information, contact moodwalks@ontario.cmha.ca.