The RSPB has received funding (as part of a larger project) to offer Nature Prescriptions to communities in the West Midlands.
They are currently focusing on Birmingham, Sandwell and Walsall and are ready to partner up with interested healthcare professionals in these areas (link workers, health coaches, care co-ordinators, mental health support workers, community connectors etc) who would like to make use of tailored materials to benefit the wellbeing of their clients.
What are RSPB Nature Prescriptions?
RSPB Nature Prescriptions were first developed with GPs in Scotland but in January 2023 work started with Social Prescribing by Link Workers and Health and Wellbeing Coaches in Derbyshire, the initiative is now in action in 14 different counties with a range of health professionals, mostly in Primary Care but also with community teams and with a secondary mental health trust.
RSPB Nature Prescriptions are a little different to most other Green Social Prescribing and nature-based activities, as healthcare professionals are supported to have a conversation with their clients about the benefits of nature and provide tailored materials for clients to take away with them. The clients can then make use of the materials to connect with nature at a time and place that suits them. The materials are proving very popular as they encourage a personal connection to nature without the need to travel to join groups or visit nature reserves or other green spaces. People are encouraged to bring moments of noticing nature into their everyday lives, wherever they live. Results from the pilot study were very good, not only in terms of the benefits to recipients but also to those people doing the prescribing as they also enjoyed using the calendar of seasonal ways to connect to nature.
How healthcare professionals can get involved
Find out more by contacting Alexis Johnson, Nature and Wellbeing Officer, at Alexis.Johnson@rspb.org.uk to sign up to one of the virtual lunch and learn sessions on:
- Tuesday 17 September, 12:00 – 13:00
- Wednesday 25 September, 12:30 – 13:30
- Thursday 03 October from, 13:00 – 14:00
