New research led by the University of Sheffield, in partnership with Sheffield Hallam University, University of Exeter and University of Plymouth, has been published in a report for the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra), on their findings into efforts to increase access to Green Social Prescribing, and its effectiveness in tackling and preventing mental ill health.
Green Social Prescribing is the practice of supporting people with mental health needs to engage in nature-based activities. Referrals will typically come from GPs, community mental health teams, or social workers, but people can also self-refer. Social Prescribing Link Workers, and other trusted professionals, then connect people to community groups and agencies for practical and emotional support.
Derbyshire Wildlife Trust was part of the Green Social Prescribing for Mental Health Test and Learn Sites, as one of the seven pilot projects referred to in the report which were created to highlight the use of nature-based settings and activities to improve mental health and wellbeing.
Speaking about the report, Lisa Witham, Director of Wilder Communities at Derbyshire Wildlife Trust said:
“We are thrilled to see that the findings from this research demonstrate the broad range of benefits, associated with programmes like the Green Prescribing for Mental Health pilot in Derbyshire which Derbyshire Wildlife Trust is proud to be part of with our partners.
“Research has proven that spending time outdoors in nature is great for our physical and mental health. Our externally evaluated wellbeing programmes have found that participants experienced a reduction in anxiety, increased mental wellbeing, life satisfaction, levels of how worthwhile they felt their life was, and happiness.”
NHS occupational therapists, who worked alongside Derbyshire Wildlife Trust during the pilot project at a local NHS residential mental health rehabilitation and recovery unit feedback that “facilitating staff observed the benefits of the sessions amongst the service user group.
It was noted that those experiencing anxiety, appeared to have a reduction in anxiety related symptoms whilst participating and that the facilitation of groups within the natural and open space, often encouraged service users who don’t usually enjoy group environments to engage.” Patients taking part in the pilot also commented that ‘social skills have improved’, they ‘feel more caring towards others’.
Lisa continues: “We would like to help and encourage everyone in Derbyshire to access wildlife-rich places as part of their everyday lives, or as often as possible. People who connect with nature every day are more active and mentally resilient, experience reduced social isolation and loneliness and have better all-round health. Derbyshire Wildlife Trust host regular wellbeing events that anyone can come along to and try.”
Find out more about Derbyshire Wildlife Trust wellbeing events here