The HEY Smile Foundation is celebrating the success of its Green Social Prescribing (GSP) programme in Humber and North Yorkshire, following a recent national evaluation of the initiative aimed at preventing and tackling mental ill health. Since its launch in 2021, GSP has adopted a partnership-driven approach to nature-based mental health interventions, significantly enhancing support in the region.
Funded by a £5.77 million government “Test and Learn” initiative, HEY Smile Foundation is one of seven pilot sites across England. The programme collaborates with local organizations, including Navigo, Forum, HEY Mind, and Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust, utilizing the healing power of nature through activities like community gardening, walking groups, and nature conservation.
A recent analysis by the University of York revealed substantial improvements among GSP participants:
Increased Happiness: Many reported feeling more connected and fulfilled.
Enhanced Life Satisfaction: A renewed sense of purpose emerged for numerous individuals.
Reduced Anxiety: Participants experienced significant drops in anxiety levels, allowing them to regain control over their mental health.
Testimonials from participants illustrate the programme’s transformative impact. One individual remarked, “Being outdoors in nature is far better than pills. It’s difficult to motivate yourself with mental health issues, so this type of group really helps.” Another shared, “I was very isolated due to my poor mental health. These groups have helped me use outdoor spaces to reduce stress and anxiety. I feel like a very different person now.”
Social prescribers also noted the programme’s effectiveness, stating, “Connecting individuals with GSP activities allows them to focus on their interests and strengths rather than their issues.”
Anthony Hurd, Programme Manager for Green Social Prescribing at HEY Smile Foundation, expressed enthusiasm for the programme’s results: “We’ve seen firsthand how nature can help people feel happier, healthier, and more connected. The future of mental health care needs nature—and we’re ready to make it happen.”
Dr. Hannah Armitt, Clinical Research Psychologist at Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust and Clinical Lead on the GSP project, emphasized the potential of integrating outdoor activities into clinical services. “These findings are really exciting for clinicians, showing the potential of outdoor activities to improve well-being and quality of life. GSP could support individuals on waiting lists and address inequalities in healthcare access.”
Notably, Green Social Prescribing is also cost-effective, with every £1 invested in the programme yielding a return of £2.42. With an average cost per participant of just £507, GSP stands out as an accessible and impactful mental health solution.
Building on this success, HEY Smile Foundation has secured additional funding from the National Lottery’s Community Fund to expand its “Growing Green and Blue Health” initiative, further enhancing access to outdoor activities and training local providers in innovative mental health approaches.
As conversations around mental health evolve, HEY Smile Foundation is at the forefront, integrating nature-based activities into healthcare solutions.
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