“I’m going on weekly walks to stay connected with nature” – Michael’s Story

Michael first joined Groundwork’s Nature For Health green social prescribing project in Stockport in September 2024. He was referred to the programme from Pennine Care’s Early Intervention Team after suffering from mental health issues.

He’d recently been discharged from hospital, and the idea of being around others in a new environment felt a bit daunting. Gardening was entirely new to him, and initially, he lacked confidence in the sessions. “It was more of a mental health journey for me,” Michael reflects. “It wasn’t so much about gardening itself – it was about being back around other people.”

Michael’s involvement began thanks to James, a friend he had met during his time on the ward. James encouraged him to join the group, offering a familiar face and a shared journey to lean on. “We were on the same path, and we just clicked,” Michael says.

Their friendship quickly grew beyond the hospital, with the green social prescribing gardening sessions becoming a weekly ritual. “James and I would get a McDonald’s before or after the group. At first, we got the bus, but later, when James was driving again, it became part of our routine.”

For Michael, the social aspect of the programme stood out the most. “Being in a group of people who understand, or who are just genuinely nice, really made a difference,” he shares. Spending time outdoors in the green space also became a highlight. “The freshness of being outside helped me feel more grounded. I’d never done anything like this before, but it’s inspired me to keep going on weekly walks to stay connected with nature.”

While Michael jokes that he hasn’t managed to keep any of the plants alive yet, he has taken away something even more important. “Friendship is the main thing I gained. It’s made me feel more confident being around people again.” Reflecting on the programme, he’s grateful for the unique opportunity. “At first, I wondered if this was some kind of community payback scheme,” he laughs. “But it turned out to be such a great environment with amazing people. It’s been fantastic.”

Find out more about the GM Nature For Health Programme: