Green Social Prescribing
Groundwork East is an environmental charity with over 40 years’ experience delivering practical projects that improve health, wellbeing and the natural environment. We work at the intersection of people, places and planet, making us a trusted partner for green social prescribing.
We support individuals to improve their physical and mental wellbeing through meaningful engagement with nature, while strengthening communities and enhancing local green spaces.
What is Green Social Prescribing?
Green social prescribing supports people to improve their mental and physical health by connecting them with nature-based activities in their local community. This could include community gardening, food growing, conservation tasks, guided walks, outdoor learning or volunteering in green spaces.
At Groundwork East, we use green social prescribing to help people spend time outdoors, build confidence, meet others and take part in meaningful activity that benefits both people and places.
Our approach
Our programmes are designed around four connected outcomes: improving mental wellbeing and self confidence; reducing isolation, building community connection and social networks; supporting gentle physical activity and long-term health; and creating a sense of purpose through environmental action.
Through practical, inclusive and welcoming activities, we help people take positive steps for their wellbeing while also improving local green spaces, supporting biodiversity and strengthening communities.
Nature-based interventions – improving mental wellbeing and self confidence
Community connection -redcing isolation, building confidence and social networks
Gentle physical activity -supporting long-term health outcomes
Environmental action – creating a sense of purpose and achievement
How we can support health partners
We can work with:
- Primary Care Networks (PCNs)
- Social Prescribing Link Workers
- Integrated Care Systems (ICSs)
- Local authorities and VCFSE partners
We can provide:
- Structured sessions designed with referral partners
- Experienced staff trained in engagement and safeguarding
- Risk-assessed, professionally delivered activities for small groups, one-to-one support and larger drop-in sessions
- Monitoring and evaluation aligned to wellbeing outcomes (e.g. WEMWBS)
We are members of the National Academy for Social Prescribing and our programmes are designed to be inclusive, accessible, and responsive to local health inequalities.
Example Programmes
Green Recovery
A structured programme supporting people recovering from and experiencing mental health challenges or long-term conditions through conservation and outdoor activity.
Benefits and outcomes:
- Improved mental wellbeing
- Increased physical activity
- Reduced social isolation
- Skills development and confidence building
Get Outdoors, Get Active
Accessible, low-barrier activities designed to help people build regular habits of outdoor exercise that can include guided walks, light conservation tasks and group-based outdoor sessions.
Benefits and outcomes:
- Increased activity levels
- Improved mental and physical health
- Improved mood and resilience
- Stronger community connections
Mind, Body & Soil
A nature-based wellbeing programme centred around gardening, food growing and connection to green spaces with a strong focus on horticulture for wellbeing, mindfulness in nature and sustainable food practices.
Benefits and outcomes:
- Reduced anxiety and stress
- Improved confidence and routine
- Increased knowledge of healthy, sustainable living
- Improved connection to community
Why partner with Groundwork East?
We have a strong track record delivering projects across diverse communities, including working closely with under-represented groups. Our work is carefully evaluated, helping us demonstrate clear and measurable wellbeing outcomes. Through our local expertise, regional knowledge and close partnerships, we develop and run programmes tailored to the needs of different places and communities. By linking health, environmental improvement and wider community benefits, we take an integrated approach to create lasting positive change.