Embracing Nature's Healing Power: Introducing Green Social Prescribing
Yesterday, I had the pleasure of attending an insightful event at Full Circle Food, presented by Natural England and Northumberland Wildlife Trust focused on green social prescribing – the remarkable practice of supporting individuals in engaging with nature-based activities to improve their mental and physical well-being.
As part of this exciting initiative, the Green Social Prescribing Team are initially working with Ashington, Blyth, and their surrounding areas. The event aimed to collaborate and form a network of organisations providing opportunities and sharing expertise in environmental, community, and health and well-being spheres.
The event proved to be an enriching experience, offering attendees:
- An introduction to green social prescribing and the benefits of nature for health.
- A guided forest bathing experience, which involved a meditation session in the grounds of Hirst Park
- Making wildflower seed bombs, very messy but a great way to distribute wildflower seeds
- Facilitated discussions around barriers to accessing green social prescribing activities and pathways for service users.
- Information about green social prescribing activities available in southeast Northumberland for attendees to take away.
The discussions and shared experiences highlighted the transformative potential of green social prescribing and the importance of creating a vibrant network of support for those seeking improved well-being. Together, we explored the healing power of nature and paved the way for a healthier, more connected community.
Additionally, I had the opportunity to tour the Full Circle Food building, including their training kitchen and bike workshop. We also visited their allotment garden and outdoor growing space, complete with raised beds and greenhouses where a significant amount of produce is grown and used in cooking sessions for the community.
Moving forward, the team remain committed to nurturing partnerships and expanding the reach of green social prescribing, ensuring that individuals have access to the restorative benefits of nature-based interventions.
Green Social Prescribing in South East Northumberland
Resources and information provided by Thriving Nature for people and planet
Natural England
Green Social Prescribing - National Academy for Social Prescribing (NASP)
Find out more about Green Social Prescribing here on our Health & Wellbeing Groups page.
Other organisations attending the event included;
Health Trainers Northumberland
Middle Coldcoats Social Care Farm
Northumberland Recovery College
Thriving Together Northumberland
Green Social Prescribing Event
