The Ocean Conservation Trust’s Blue Mind Hub is an Ocean-based wellbeing project which aims to help people in our community access the health benefits of the Ocean.
The project has been specifically curated for people who are experiencing poor mental health. We are now bringing our Blue Mind Hub wellbeing programme to Cornwall for the first time, with a new pilot launching in Falmouth this spring, thanks to funding from The National Lottery Awards for All programme.
First piloted in 2023, the Blue Mind Hub uses social prescribing to connect people experiencing mental health challenges with structured Ocean-based activities. 82 people have engaged with our Plymouth programme since its launch, with 55 completing a full programme of activities. Of those completing Blue Mind activities, 76% showed meaningful or significant improvements in their wellbeing, demonstrating the potential of coastal experiences to support positive mental health.
Nature-based interventions are also a cost-effective approach to improving physical and mental health. With data from green prescribing showing a £9 wellbeing benefit for every £1 invested, we expect a similar return for blue prescribing.
Blue Mind Theory
The Blue Mind Theory, popularised by Wallace J. Nichols, describes the relationship between the Ocean and humans’ wellbeing. Being in, on or around the Ocean can have restorative benefits for our mental health and wellbeing. All sensory aspects of the Ocean induce positive effects for people, from the colour blue, to the sound of the waves and even sea air. Our Ocean can help us feel both peaceful and invigorated!
What will the new Blue Mind Hub in Falmouth provide?
The new programme will offer people experiencing poor mental health the opportunity to improve their wellbeing through guided activities in, on and around the Ocean, while developing a deeper connection with the marine environment.
Delivered in partnership with local social prescribers, GPs and community organisations, the Falmouth pilot will run activities from spring through to September 2027, helping more people access the benefits of blue spaces.
Making the Ocean accessible for everyone.
From coastal walks and rockpooling to snorkelling and seagrass workshops, the Falmouth Blue Mind Hub will provide accessible experiences designed to build confidence, encourage social connection and help participants discover the positive impact spending time by the sea can have on their wellbeing.
The programme will offer three types of activity, designed to accommodate a range of needs and abilities:
- Blue Views: Land-based coastal experiences including visits to the National Maritime Museum, rockpooling, seagrass workshops, boat trips and coastal walks.
- Step into Snorkelling: Guided in-water activities helping participants build confidence exploring the marine environment, including local seagrass habitats.
- Accessible Ocean: Adapted land-based experiences for people with limited mobility or groups requiring additional support.
Connecting people with local nature restoration work.
Alongside supporting mental wellbeing, the new Falmouth hub will introduce participants to the Ocean Conservation Trust’s Blue Meadows seagrass restoration work in the area, connecting personal wellbeing with marine conservation.
Participants will have opportunities to learn about the importance of seagrass habitats and the role they play in supporting healthy marine ecosystems, with encouragement to become ‘Seagrass Champions’ and take an active interest in protecting their local marine environment.
Get involved
The new Falmouth Hub will work with local healthcare and community partners to connect participants with activities suited to their individual needs. Social prescribing link workers, GPs and community organisations interested in finding out more about the Falmouth Blue Mind Hub and about referring participants are invited to contact bluemind@oceanconservationtrust.org.
Blue Mind Hub Impact Report
March 2026 marks the launch of our Blue Mind Hub Impact Report, bringing together the impact of our programmes over the past three years, we have seen significant improvements in participants’ wellbeing demonstrating the power of blue, read more in our report below:
Blue Mind Hub Activities
Our Blue Mind Hub offers three different sessions, each of which creates a safe and welcoming environment for participants to start exploring blue spaces and learn about the positive effects on their wellbeing.
Step into Snorkelling
A beginners level snorkelling programme which gradually builds participant’s confidence. The programme starts at the National Marine Aquarium, moving on to rockpooling on local shores, before finally getting into the water to explore.
Blue Views
Blue Views is a coastal land based project offering Ocean activities without having to get in the water. Participants enjoy visits to the National Marine Aquarium, coastal walks, virtual reality sessions, art workshops, rockpool safaris and boat trips.
Accessible Ocean
Accessible Ocean is a flexible programme, working with those who are identified as needing strengthened support e.g. veterans, people living with early stage dementia and young people in the CAMHS system. Groups are supported by carers or support staff in an accessible environment, limiting overwhelm from being in unfamiliar groups. Activities are co-designed by group leader
“I am always nervous before, then excited, exhilarated and pleased!”
-Participant of Step into Snorkelling Pilot Programme
“The blue mind activities are an amazing asset for people struggling with their mental health. People have reported how calming and mindful they have found it just to be near the water and in the aquarium environment. To be able to offer activities like these alongside NHS treatment has meant we have a far richer and more holistic offer to patients. Seeing someone’s face full of excitement about their experience has to be one of the best parts of my job.”
-Dr Alison Battersby, Consultant General Adult Psychiatrist
Our Blue Mind Hub is funded by OCT initiatives, so please consider donating using the button below to help us carry on these important activities supporting members of our community.