Green Social Prescribing involves helping individuals with mental health issues engage in activities that connect them with nature. Referrals usually come from GPs, community mental health teams, or social workers, but individuals can also refer themselves. Social Prescribing Link Workers and other certified professionals help link individuals to various community organizations for both practical and emotional assistance. Programs feature a variety of nature-centric activities and therapies, such as conservation, gardening, farming, exercise, sports, or outdoor counseling sessions.
A recently funded project worth £5.77m by multiple government sectors has demonstrated that increasing access to Green Social Prescribing can foster improved mental health and overall wellbeing.
On September 4, researchers from the University of Exeter collaborated with the University of Sheffield, Sheffield Hallam University, and the University of Plymouth to release a report for the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra). This report details their investigation into methods for enhancing access to Green Social Prescribing and its effectiveness in addressing and preventing mental health issues.
Green Social Prescribing focuses on aiding individuals with mental health challenges to partake in nature-oriented activities. Referrals are primarily made by GPs, community mental health teams, or social workers, but self-referrals are also welcome. Social Prescribing Link Workers and trusted professionals connect people to community resources for practical and emotional help. There is a wide array of nature-related activities and therapies available, including conservation, gardening, agricultural therapy, physical exercise, and outdoor talking therapies.
Professor Ruth Garside from the European Centre for Environment and Human Health at the University of Exeter stated, “Our findings are important because they demonstrate that Green Social Prescribing effectively supports individuals with mental health conditions. However, this is just the beginning; more government funding is necessary to enhance leadership and change systems crucial for the success of Green Social Prescribing. Policymakers must stay committed to understanding community needs and creating opportunities for a more diverse population to connect with nature, alongside supporting organizations that offer nature-based programs.”
In total, 8,339 individuals experiencing mental health struggles participated in nature-oriented activities at seven Green Social Prescribing Project Test and Learn pilots across England. Unlike many other social prescribing initiatives, this project successfully engaged a wider demographic, including children and youths under 18, 21% from ethnic minority backgrounds, and 57% from economically disadvantaged neighborhoods.
Before engaging in nature activities, participants reported lower happiness, increased anxiety, and dissatisfaction with life compared to national averages. However, after joining the project, their wellbeing improved, with levels of happiness and anxiety aligning with national averages. Additionally, participants experienced significant increases in life satisfaction and a sense of life’s value.
Feedback from participants in Green Social Prescribing included:
“After the group, I feel joyful, happy, and calm. I experience a sense of accomplishment and notice an increase in my wellbeing. I eagerly anticipate my next visit.”
“For me, it works better than medication. It surpasses the effectiveness of CBT as well. Much of my situation relates to trauma, which is why NICE guidelines don’t recommend medication for borderline personality disorder. While my counseling is invaluable, this experience stands on par with it.”
With an average cost of £507 per participant, researchers have identified Green Social Prescribing as a cost-efficient option for supporting individuals with a wide range of mental health conditions, especially when compared to other interventions like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), behavioral activation, early psychosis intervention, and collaborative care for depression.
Dr. Marion Steiner, a GP in Bristol and a member of the Bristol, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire Test and Learn Pilot Site project board, remarked, “Engaging with nature is a lifelong resource that offers evident benefits for both mental and physical health. It can overcome generations of adverse experiences. However, many of my patients currently cannot access nature in such ways due to numerous personal, social, and cultural obstacles. Therefore, Green Social Prescribing is essential. This initiative could significantly reduce NHS costs associated with prescriptions and treatments while addressing various health determinants and minimizing the risks of many diseases, ranging from diabetes to depression.”
Dr. Annette Haywood, Head of the Public Health Section at the Sheffield Centre for Health and Related Research (SCHARR) and the principal investigator of the study, expressed satisfaction in leading this national evaluation of Green Social Prescribing. “A substantial body of evidence already supports the positive outcomes of nature and outdoor activities on mental and physical health. This report’s findings contribute significantly by showing that nature-related activities offer a relatively affordable means to assist individuals with various mental health concerns.”
The project received funding from HM Treasury’s Shared Outcomes Fund, various central government departments, and outside agencies. The partners involved include the Department of Health and Social Care, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Natural England, NHS England, NHS Improvement, Public Health England, Sport England, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities, and the National Academy for Social Prescribing.
