The Cross-Government Green Social Prescribing Programme explored how connecting people with nature based activities could support mental health, wellbeing and reduce health inequalities.
The programme tested Green Social Prescribing across seven NHS Integrated Care Systems in England. The National Academy for Social Prescribing has also launched a revised toolkit for Green Social Prescribing, connecting people with activities such as walking groups, community gardening, conservation and nature based exercise.
- More than 8,500 people were referred to a Green Social Prescribing activity between April 2021 and March 2023.
- 85% of people offered a green social prescription took up the opportunity.
- The programme found statistically significant improvements in mental health and wellbeing, with strong engagement from communities experiencing health inequalities.
- 57% of participants were from the most socio-economically deprived areas, while 21% were from ethnic minority populations.
- Research with the public found that 68% spend time in green and natural spaces at least weekly, but this was less common among people in poorer health, people with disabilities and those on lower incomes.
- There is strong appetite for Green Social Prescribing among clinicians and the public. 97% of clinicians were favourable towards social prescribing, while 67% of the public were open to discussing community based mental health support with a healthcare professional.
- However, awareness and access remain barriers. Only 51% of clinicians had heard of Green Social Prescribing and knew at least a little about it, while just 34% of the public were aware of the different nature based activities available locally.
The programme was extended into a second phase from April 2024 to March 2025, focusing on addressing evidence gaps and exploring how Green Social Prescribing could be scaled more widely.
Sources: Green Social Prescribing – National Academy for Social Prescribing | NASP and Exploring perceptions of green social prescribing among clinicians and the public – GOV.UK