A recent study evaluating a nature-based mental health programme in Humber and North Yorkshire has demonstrated significant improvements in mood and anxiety levels among participants in as little as 12 weeks. The programme, part of a broader initiative to transform mental health services in the UK, underscores the potential of green social prescribing as a valuable addition to traditional healthcare methods.
Green social prescribing refers to the practice of healthcare professionals referring patients to community-based nature activities, such as horticulture, care farming, and outdoor mindfulness, as a means of improving mental health and well-being. Though still in the testing phase, evidence is emerging that such programmes can provide vital support for individuals with mild to moderate mental health conditions, with improvements visible in a relatively short timeframe.
Over 220 participants across Humber and North Yorkshire took part in the initiative, which evaluated the impact of nature-based activities on mental health using well-established measurement tools, including the Office for National Statistics’ well-being scales and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).
Participants were involved in a range of activities, including sport, exercise, creative workshops, and gardening, with most taking part in weekly sessions for durations ranging from one to twelve weeks. The results revealed that participants who engaged in longer programmes, particularly those focused on horticulture and care farming, showed greater improvements in mood and anxiety compared to those involved in shorter programmes or activities like outdoor crafts and mindfulness.
The benefits observed were comparable to those seen in short-term cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which typically involves individual sessions with a therapist over weeks or months.
Professor Peter Coventry from the University of York highlighted that the connection with nature, especially through activities like gardening and care farming, appears to be a key factor in improving mental health. “It’s not just about being passive in nature; it’s about engaging with it in a meaningful way,” he explained. The study also emphasized the importance of participating in nature-based activities within a community, suggesting that such engagement can combat loneliness and social isolation, both of which contribute to anxiety and depression.
The findings of the study are particularly relevant for people from low socioeconomic backgrounds, who made up 65% of the participants. Trish Darcy, a research associate at the University of York, pointed out that the programme was particularly beneficial for these individuals, with high levels of participation in horticultural activities. “This is not only good for the individual’s mental health but also for the local community environment,” Darcy said.
Researchers are now calling for greater investment in green social prescribing to expand access to these services across the country. They stress the need for more social prescribers to connect patients with suitable nature-based activities.
Dr. Hannah Armitt, Clinical Lead for the Humber and North Yorkshire programme, noted that the research could help improve service delivery by linking statutory health services with local providers of nature-based activities. She stressed the value of nature as a free and accessible resource that can be harnessed for improving mental health.
The study, which was conducted in partnership with The HEY Smile Foundation and NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, is part of a national project on green social prescribing, supported by several government departments and national organizations.
Anthony Hurd, Programme Manager for Green Social Prescribing in Humber and North Yorkshire, emphasized the importance of recognizing community-based organizations as essential partners in healthcare. “As healthcare moves toward prevention and community-based models, it is crucial that these organizations receive the support and recognition they deserve,” he said.
The study’s findings were published in the journal Health & Social Care in the Community, further validating the role of nature-based activities in supporting mental health and well-being.
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