Korea Forest Welfare Institute Expands Forest Healing to Support Mental Health of High-Risk Suicide Groups

The Korea Forest Welfare Institute announced on July 24 that it will expand its forest healing projects in collaboration with the Korea Suicide Prevention and Hope Foundation to support psychological recovery and daily life for high-risk groups for suicide.

Last year, a forest healing program was conducted at the National Forest Healing Center. Provided by Korea Forest Welfare Institute

Last year, the two organizations provided forest healing programs for more than 370 people, including suicide attempt survivors and their families, bereaved families, and dedicated personnel.

At that time, program participants reported a satisfaction score of 4.86 out of 5. In addition, after participating in the program, self-esteem increased by 8.94%, and feelings of depression decreased by 8.26%, indicating that participants experienced tangible healing effects.

To further spread these positive effects, the Korea Forest Welfare Institute will expand the 'Empty and Forest' forest healing program this year to include 1,000 high-risk individuals and their families.

In addition, the Institute plans to establish a suicide prevention safety net by ensuring that all employees at national forest welfare facilities across the country complete suicide prevention training, and by operating forest healing programs for high-risk groups in cooperation with local professional organizations.

Nam Taeheon, President of the Korea Forest Welfare Institute, stated, "The healing effects of forests have been proven through participants in forest healing programs," and added, "The Korea Forest Welfare Institute will contribute to spreading a 'culture of respect for life' by expanding forest healing programs for high-risk groups for suicide."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.