Green Social Prescribing Programme Transforms Mental Health in Humber and North Yorkshire

The prescribing of nature-based interventions reduced anxiety and depression to tackle mental ill health whilst yielding £2.42 return for every £1 invested.

The HEY Smile Foundation is proud to announce the remarkable success of  the Green Social Prescribing (GSP) programme in Humber and North Yorkshire, following the recent national evaluation report on the Preventing and Tackling Mental Ill Health through Green Social Prescribing Project (GSP). Since 2021, Smile has led a partnership-driven approach to nature-based mental health interventions, significantly improving mental health support in the region.

Funded by a £5.77 million government “Test and Learn” initiative, HEY Smile Foundation, leading one of seven ‘test and learn’ sites across England, has collaborated with local partners including Navigo, Forum, HEY Mind, Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust, York CVS, Age UK North Yorkshire Moors and Coast, among others. This groundbreaking initiative harnesses the healing power of nature to address mental health challenges through activities such as community gardening, walking groups, and nature conservation.

The University of York’s analysis revealed profound improvements among participants engaged in GSP activities:

Increased Happiness: Participants reported feeling more connected and fulfilled.

Enhanced Life Satisfaction: A renewed sense of purpose emerged for many involved.

Reduced Anxiety: Significant drops in anxiety levels helped individuals regain control over their mental health.

These findings highlight the effectiveness of collaborative efforts in using nature to enhance mental well-being for individuals experiencing mild to moderate mental ill health.

Participants have shared their transformative experiences:

“Being outdoors in nature, going for walks and fresh air is far better than pills. It’s difficult to motivate yourself when you have mental health issues, so this type of group really helps.”

“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 impact: “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 his enthusiasm: “The results have been inspiring. We’ve seen firsthand how nature can help people feel happier, healthier, and more connected. We’re excited to continue pushing the boundaries of what Green Social Prescribing can achieve. The future of mental health care needs nature – and we’re ready to make it happen.”

The expertise of Dr. Hannah Armitt, Clinical Research Psychologist at Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust and Clinical Lead on the GSP project, was key to the success of the project as she initially set up the cohorts and devised the recording measures for participants. Dr Armitt emphasised the potential for integrating outdoor activities into clinical services, saying: “These findings are really exciting for clinicians as they show the potential of outdoor activities to improve well-being and quality of life. GSP could support individuals on waiting lists as well as seeking to address inequalities to healthcare access.”

Green Social Prescribing is not only effective but also cost-efficient - every £1 invested in the national programme yields a return of £2.42. With an average cost per participant of only £507, GSP stands out as one of the most accessible and impactful mental health solutions available today.

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. This funding will enhance access to outdoor activities while training local providers in innovative mental health approaches.

As conversations around mental health continue to evolve, HEY Smile Foundation is leading with bold solutions that embed nature-based activities into healthcare. For more information or to get involved in this transformative work, please contact GreenSP@heysmilefoundation.org.

Coppice Crafts credit Raincliffe Wood Community Enterprise CIC.jpg

Planting - credit Rooted in Hull.jpeg