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We’ve had a bit of a re-fresh!
We have a new logo and renewed energy; to gather and act as a collective of nature-based groups and organisations in Derbyshire. We are still as passionate as ever about nature and the environment and come together to promote the benefits to health and well-being for all.
You may recall that in April 2021 Derbyshire was selected as one of 7 Integrated Care Systems to test out Green Social Prescribing. This is the practice of supporting people to engage in nature-based interventions and activities to improve their mental and physical health.
Green social prescribing includes both what is known as green and blue activities. These could include local walking schemes, community gardening projects, conservation volunteering, green gyms, open water swimming or arts and cultural activities which take place outdoors. These activities may be ‘prescribed’ by link workers (and other trusted professionals) alongside other forms of support, for example, referrals to support for housing or finances – based on the needs and circumstances of each individual.
The national programme revealed that nature-based activity was shown be relatively cost-effective compared to other mental health interventions. For every £1 invested by central government, the programme generated a social return on investment of up to £2.42.
Our ‘test and learn’ pilot revealed a need for deeper work with partners across the health and care system to make the most of opportunities for people to benefit from nature. The report suggests that we develop better conditions for mutual understanding, reciprocity, shared purpose and collective action amongst stakeholders involved in implementing green social prescribing.
Key recommendations included:
- support the formation of networks of people with a keen interest in the work as well as leverage and energy to make a difference.
- investment in prevention, ie provision of nature-based activities, and addressing structural inequality to improve motivation, confidence and agency
- foster better relationships between Social Prescribers and providers, focussing on improving awareness of activities and understanding of green provision and improving clarity of referrer roles
- invest in ongoing modelling work and find meaningful ways to collaborate and include a wider range of voices and create mechanisms for including and co-producing with (VCSE especially), nature-based activity providers
- capacity-building for nature-based activity providers based on need and understanding of the broad range of activities, structures and challenges facing a modern VCSE sector
- through the establishment of mutually respectful and equitable relationships, create opportunities to use the wide and varied green spaces available across Derbyshire for the benefit and wellbeing of residents
- open up opportunities for green providers to be part of the decision-making forums and partnerships, e.g. health partnerships and neighbourhood alliances.
Our purpose now is promoting community, collaboration and activism and on these 3 pillars we base our work together.
COMMUNITY
We are building a network and interactive space for groups and organisations to come together for capacity building, learning, peer support and funding. Through in person gatherings and online events, we meet to swap ideas, share experiences and encourage each other to be brave and experimental.
Network events include topics such as the Local Nature Recovery Strategy, fundraising, environmental education, celebrating local success and volunteer management.
COLLABORATION
We enable connections between providers and spark collaborative action. Together by Nature (Erewash) and Growing Together (Chesterfield) are examples of collaborative action in Derbyshire.
ACTIVISM
We raise awareness and advocate for the active promotion of nature base activity for improved health and wellbeing.
If you would like to get involved, meet like minded people and make a difference, contact us at hello@greenspring.org.uk