Occupational Health and Wellbeing Services have teamed up with Knowsley Safari, to provide half day wellbeing sessions for teams across the Trust to take a step back from their day to day work and immerse themselves in nature and the great outdoors. Funded by our charity, Mersey Cares, it is a unique opportunity to recharge, refresh, and reconnect with yourself and your colleagues.

Whilst all funded dates are currently fully booked, self-funded opportunities are now available. These sessions offer more availability and can accomodate larger teams for some of the activities. These extra sessions have been provided at a discounted rate. See all the information below.

There is plenty of evidence that shows spending time outdoors amongst wildlife can significantly enhance your mental health and wellbeing. From reducing stress and anxiety to boosting mood and creativity, Knowsley Safari Park, with its access to acres of beautiful natural landscapes and diverse wildlife, is the perfect setting for our wellbeing initiative.

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The half day sessions offer teams the chance to step away from their daily routine, immerse themselves in nature, and engage in activities designed to promote relaxation and wellbeing. Whether it's a guided nature walk, mindfulness exercises amidst the tranquil surroundings, or simply taking in the sights and sounds of the park, each session promises to provide a much needed break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Participants will have the chance to see a variety of wildlife on the day, which may include lions, zebras, rhinos, capybaras. Teams can also take a ride on the Baboon Bus taking them up close and personal.

Sessions run from 9.30am to 1.30pm and each session is open to a maximum of 12 people.

Wellbeing Through Wildlife sessions are available to teams across the Trust.

Sessions can be booked by team managers only and places are allocated on a first come, first served basis. 

This is a unique opportunity and spaces for these sessions are limited. Please note that as our funding for these events is limited, we sadly may not be able to offer all teams who apply a place. 

The dates listed below are confirmed. The sessions begin in April 2024 coinciding with Stress Awareness Month.

All sessions start at 9.30am and finish at 1.30pm with a maximum capacity of 12 people.

Please note all sessions are currently fully booked. We will update this page as soon as possible with any further dates. 

  • Wednesday, 24 April 2024 - now fully booked
  • Thursday, 2 May 2024 - now fully booked
  • Thursday, 23 May 2024- now fully booked
  • Friday, 24 May 2024 - now fully booked
  • Monday, 3 June 2024 - now fully booked
  • Thursday, 6 June 2024- now fully booked
  • Friday, 21 June 2024 - now fully booked
  • Thursday, 4 July 2024 - now fully booked
  • Friday, 5 July 2024 - now fully booked
  • Monday, 8 July 2024 - now fully booked
  • Thursday, 11 July 2024 - now fully booked
  • Monday, 15 July 2024 - now fully booked
  • Wednesday, 4 September 2024 - now fully booked
  • Tuesday, 10 September 2024 - now fully booked
  • Friday, 13 September 2024 - now fully booked
  • Friday, 4 October 2024 - now fully booked
  • Friday, 18 October 2024 - now fully booked
  • Monday, 21 October 2024 - now fully booked
  • Thursday, 24 October 2024 - now fully booked
  • Friday, 25 October 2024 - now fully booked

All queries should be directed to wellbeinghub@merseycare.nhs.uk from work email accounts.

Knowsley Safari is welcoming teams to commission their own visits and these will be at a reduced rate.

The cost of these sessions is £160 per cohort. Teams of up to 20 people can be accomodated, though this would be for Foot Safari and Nature trail only. Accessing the Baboon Bus is only available for teams of 12 or less due to vehicle capacity. 

Teams can select from the below dates and send all booking requests and enquiries to VIP@knowsley.com. You will be communicating directly with the safari, and available dates can't be guaranteed and are subject to change. 

All sessions start at 9.30am and finish at 1.30pm.

  • Monday 1 July
  • Tuesday 3 September
  • Wednesday 6 November
  • Thursday 7 November
  • Wednesday 13 November
  • Wednesday 20 November
  • Wednesday 27 November
  • Wednesday 4 December
  • Wednesday 11 December 
  • Wednesday 18 December 
  • Friday 20 December

 

Support Mersey Cares to do more!

This initiative has been made possible thanks to funding from Mersey Cares, our dedicated NHS Charity, as part of their commitment to promoting employee wellbeing.

If you are not signed up already to our Mersey Care Pennies from Heaven scheme please consider doing so, so that we can continue to fund initiatives like this in the future.

I'm interested! How can my team book onto a session?

Team managers should select from the available dates and completing the booking request. Places are allocated on a first come, first served basis. Please note all funded sessions are currently fully booked. Self-funded opportunities are now available, offering more availability and at a discounted rate.