ExxonMobil Fife Ethylene Plant gears up to support mountain biking mental health initiative
ExxonMobil Fife Ethylene Plant (FEP) has set the wheels in motion for a mountain biking mental health initiative in Fife.
Through a £2,000 donation to Trail Therapy at Lochore Meadows Country Park, ExxonMobil FEP is helping to create a positive and enduring legacy for the local community by establishing the programme in Fife for the first time.
Trail Therapy combines mountain biking with structured therapeutic techniques, recognising the close link between physical and mental health.
By blending guided reflection, mindfulness, confidence-building and peer support with off-road cycling, the programme offers a practical and engaging way to improve emotional resilience, boost wellbeing and strengthen connections with others.
The funding will enable Trail Therapy to deliver its first sessions locally, with the investment supporting the introduction of long-term, accessible mental health provision rooted in the area’s natural environment.
Andy McGrath, Park Manager at Lochore Meadows, was delighted with the donation from ExxonMobil FEP commenting: "Trail Therapy is a programme that we are keen to support at Lochore Meadows utilising the country park’s bike trails and green space to support mental health and wellbeing through recreation and the outdoors.
“This project will be delivered in partnership with Community Learning & Development andsupported by the Friends of Lochore Meadows group who secured the donation from ExxonMobil FEP.”
Established in 2018, Trail Therapy has supported more than 80 people and delivered over 1,000 sessions across five regions. The programme is independently evaluated in partnership with Edinburgh Napier University, helping to build a growing evidence base around the impact of outdoor activity on mental wellbeing.
Teresa Cassar, Plant Manager at ExxonMobil FEP, added: “We are proud to invest in an initiative that not only supports mental wellbeing today, but has the potential to make a meaningful difference for years to come.
“We hope this contribution helps create a positive and lasting legacy, ensuring more people across Fife can access opportunities that could change lives.”