YOUNGSTERS across Lancashire are being invited to get involved in a wildlife project in a bid to boost their mental health and physical wellbeing whilst improving green spaces in the local community.

Myplace, a collaboration between Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust and The Lancashire Wildlife Trust, which is being funded by nearly £1m in Big Lottery Funding, encourages young people aged 13 to 24-years-old to explore the environment.

They will be offered opportunities to participate in eco-therapy based activities where they can develop new skills, increase their self-esteem, build resilience and improve their own self-confidence.

Sue Moore, chief operating officer at Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust said: "There is evidence to suggest that getting outdoors has a positive impact on mental health and physical wellbeing and the Myplace project is all about embracing that.

"We really want to give young people the opportunity to connect with each other and their local environments to explore the outdoor elements of childhood that are often missed out on."

The Lancashire Wildlife Trust has also secured an additional £630,000 from the European Social Fund so the Myplace project can help increase employability prospects for young people, women and members of ethnic minority communities.

As part of that it is launching two new Men in Shed’s projects to help older men work on practical projects, such as furniture restoration in order to develop new skills and build self-confidence .

Mike Winstanley, health and skills project manager at the Lancashire Wildlife Trust said: "By working with local communities through Myplace, we have a wonderful opportunity to make a real difference to many people’s future health and employability prospects."

The Myplace project is delivered throughout East Lancashire including Blackburn.