£500,000 investment in mental health of Nottinghamshire residents

Titchfield Park in Hucknall is a good place for people to boost their mental health and wellbeing by connecting with nature.

Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Integrated Care System has secured £500,000 investment to connect more people with nature to improve their mental health in wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

Known as the ‘green social prescribing’ project, the scheme will connect people to community groups and local initiatives for practical and emotional support and to improve their health and wellbeing.

Activities could include walking or cycling groups, gardening or community allotments or conservation tasks such as tree planting.

Evidence shows that the NHS could save more than £2billion in treatment costs if everyone in England had equal access to good quality green space.

Across Nottinghamshire hundreds of nature-based organisations, community activities and eco-therapy projects are already working to improve lives and provide support by connecting people with nature and green spaces. These projects help to support those who are least able to connect with nature, because of where they live, their income or other barriers they may face.

Andy Haynes, executive lead of the ICS, said: “The Covid-19 pandemic has had a real impact on people’s lives and has had a significant impact on many people’s mental health and wellbeing. This project acknowledges the close links between our own health and the environment around us and the benefits that getting outside and connecting with nature can have.

“The funding and resources for our area are really important, and we can make a real difference for those who need it most. Our aim is to support more people and ensure the NHS and other health and care services are better connected and aware of the fantastic work that voluntary and community sector organisations are already doing across our region.”

The two-year national scheme has been established by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, NHS England and NHS Improvement, and partner organisations. To find out more visit www.england.nhs.uk/personalisedcare/social-prescribing/green-social-prescribing