What is nature-based intervention?
‘Green care’ or ‘nature-based interventions for health’ is a growing area of study and practice. Evidence suggests that contact with nature has therapeutic benefits and there is growing recognition that the physical environment can promote mental health and wellbeing.
Several studies1 have shown that access to and regular engagement with green space is important for mental health, particularly for improving self-esteem and mood (Barton & Pretty, 2010).
Mental health charities such as MIND2 increasingly advocate nature-based interventions as an alternative or additional form of treatment for a range of mental health issues
As a result of the growing recognition of nature-based interventions, new therapy programmes have been designed which focus specifically on people’s interactions with nature.3
Green care and social prescribing
According to the Healthy London Partnership, social prescribing is a way of reducing visits to the doctor and hospital (for non-medical reasons) and ensuring that people can take control of their health and wellbeing by accessing appropriate community activities. It treats the whole person, not the illness – not by replacing health provision, if people need it, but supplementing it.
Doctors and health professionals are now using ‘social prescription’ in all parts of the UK and consequently, there is a need to develop an understanding of how these approaches fit into these health developments.
The health benefits of Green Care
Green Care is used with people of all ages and is effective for those with a disability, physical or mental ill-health, and those with multiple or complex needs.
According to the Green Care Coalition, in the UK, adults with mental ill-health and those with learning difficulties make up the majority of people benefiting from Green Care. It is also used for people recovering from stroke and head injuries. The largest increases in services in recent years have been in relation to dementia, and for those with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), particularly ex-services personnel.
Work and volunteering
Many types of organisations can be involved in the delivery of green care or nature-based interventions for health, from gardening groups, horticulture therapy to wildlife trusts, Forestry England, city farms, and other social enterprises. Staff may be asked to deliver sessions or run groups for people who have a whole range of conditions from dementia, physical impairment, other long-term conditions, or who are in recovery from mental health, and a wide range of special needs.
Covid 19 will result in increased social prescriptions
According to Sydenham Garden, a community garden centre in South London that aims to promote the physical and mental wellbeing of the local community, we will see an increase in prescribed Green Care in the coming months due to the effects of the pandemic on people’s wellbeing.
Jermaine Bennett Head of Services, Sydenham Garden said:
“I am anticipating an increase in social prescribed referrals to our service in the upcoming months as a result of the effects of covid. During the lockdown period we had a large increase in volunteer applications from people wanting to gain experience in this field. There has been lots of coverage recently in the media about how being in nature can benefit wellbeing. I definitely think there is a need for the course right now.”
Learn about nature interventions on a recognised course at City Lit
In the Care and Support department at City Lit, we aim to lead the way in Health and Social Care training and want to deliver the most up to date and relevant training.
In light of the anticipated growth in nature-based interventions in the UK, we have developed a new course which is ideal for people working in volunteering, care, and community roles.
Our new course, the OCNLR Level 2 Award in Nature-based Interventions and Health starts in September and is sure to be popular.
This course is ideal for the increasing numbers of volunteers in gardening and community groups, as well as care and support workers in mental health and other areas of care, including dementia care and care for those with disabilities.
People who complete this course will be in a good position to apply for voluntary or paid roles in the care and community sector.
About the course
If this course sounds interesting to you, please visit the course page and take the course assessment.
Course: Level 2 Nature Based Health Intervention
Course code: KMA26
Start Date: 14 September 2021
Location: Online
