What if we could treat mental health by turning to nature and save our economy thousands of pounds in the process?

Make sure to enjoy that wee stroll down the park, coast, or woods later today, and you can join the growing trend towards a greater sense of wellbeing that’s based in nature.

Mental health, economic prosperity, and humanity’s relationship to the natural environment are probably the century’s hottest topics, with recent findings proving that the three are more intertwined than we first thought.

The Wildlife Trust has been campaigning to ensure a thriving, nature-rich environment is within reach for all of us. According to them, just 35% of households with annual incomes below £10,000 are within a 10-minute walk of a publicly accessible natural green space.

The Wildlife Trust believes its ‘Natural Health Service’ approach could create a cost saving to the NHS of £100 million for every 1.2 million people that it reaches.

Reconnect with nature

These five national programmes are proving that nature is great not just to nourish our body, but also our mind and soul.

Wild at heart

Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust’s social community encourages adults to boost their wellbeing, learn new skills, and reduce isolation by exploring local nature.

Activity sessions focus on ‘Five Ways to Wellbeing’: to connect, be active, take notice, keep learning, and give.

As a result, it has reduced the NHS costs associated with mental health conditions of 82 participants by £38,646  in just a year.

If extended to a demographic of 1.2 million people struggling with mental health, the organisation estimates they could save the NHS £635.6 million!

Feed the birds

As part of the Shropshire Wildlife Trust’s efforts to address social isolation and loneliness, this initiative links people in need with a volunteer that acts as a friendly companion once a week as they feed birds together in the individuals’ backyard.

So far it has saved almost £15,500 per year in healthcare costs of 57 people, which could increase to over £102,400 if these individuals were fully engaged over a period of 31 months.

@Myplace

This early intervention programme by Lancashire Wildlife Trust specialises in connecting people who use mental health services to natural spaces, in order to improve their overall wellbeing.

People are invited to join projects like the Preston Hub at Brockholes Nature Reserve where there are opportunities to contribute to preserving local nature while learning about wildlife and acquiring some DIY skills. 

Myplace also manages a beautiful greenhouse in Witton Country Park where people get to learn about horticulture and woodworking.

These efforts have reduced mental health treatment by £7,024, saving a further £28,442 in costs of treating mental health issues associated with economic inactivity.

@Myplace

As an extension of NHS England’s Green Social Prescribing Pilot Programme, the Nature for health project cuts down mental-health-related costs by encouraging activities in nature, such as training programmes, cycling, and gardening sessions.

The initiative has reduced NHS mental health-related costs by almost £44,500 per year.

Naturescot’s natural health service

And, last but not least, Nature Scot, a major public body responsible for advising Scottish Ministers on matters involving natural heritage in Scotland, is also turning to nature to treat healthcare.

As part of their efforts, they are delivering their Natural Health Service that encourages greater use of outdoor natural spaces to tackle physical inactivity and mental health issues.

We are thrilled to see so much proof that a deeper bond with nature is key to living a healthy life.

Do you offer a product or service that encourages meaningful connections with the natural environment? Drop our team a message today, we can help you reach more people who can benefit from what you have to offer.