Natural Healing and Physical Activity Can be Incredibly Beneficial for Healthcare
In a bid to combat the rising mental health issues, the UK Government's survey reveals that less than half the population have recently visited the countryside or a local park. Recognising the benefits of nature on mental health, the NHS is exploring the use of outdoor settings for certain treatments, particularly for those with poor mental health.
Research shows that nature-based practices can significantly improve mental health. They reduce stress, improve mood, enhance emotional resilience, and support overall wellbeing. In fact, these practices have been found to outperform conventional NHS interventions for conditions like depression, contributing to stronger, more connected communities and healthier workplaces [1][2][3].
For healthcare professionals in Sussex seeking to get trained in this approach, several opportunities are available. Similar to successful initiatives elsewhere, training often comes through partnerships with specialist organizations offering Green Health or nature prescription programmes.
Local NHS initiatives or charitable foundations focused on Green Health, such as the NHS Tayside Charitable Foundation and NHS Lothian, run workshops and training programs [1][5]. Community interest companies or specialist providers like Wild Workforce CIC or Dose of Nature also deliver structured programmes and may offer training or collaboration opportunities [1][2].
National or regional Green Health networks that promote nature-based mental health interventions and provide resources or training for healthcare workers are another avenue.
Healthcare professionals in Sussex are encouraged to explore partnerships with local charities, NHS trusts, or established nature-based therapy providers to receive proper training, implement nature prescriptions, and support patients’ mental health through these evidence-based interventions [1][2][5].
In a recent development, the partnership between handl Group and Limbic makes Limbic's service available outside the NHS for the first time. The courses, which span over 5 months, aim to give participants the confidence and competence to work with groups in a range of outdoor settings. Delivered by Circle of Life Rediscovery, a community interest company based in Laughton, near Lewes, these courses equip healthcare professionals with skills to adapt treatments to new surroundings and use their indoor training outside [4].
The course is suitable for professionals who support children, young people, and adults, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social and youth workers, therapists, and family support workers. It offers an ITC level 3 qualification, providing students with the necessary skills to work with individuals and groups of all ages [5].
Bookings are open for the 2026 courses, taking place at Laughton from late June. For more information, visit https://circleofliferediscovery.com/certificate-in-nature-based-practice/
References:
[1] Natural England, University of Exeter, and the Natural Environment Research Council. (2022). Three-year survey investigates impact of natural spaces on health, behaviour, and attitude towards environment. Retrieved from [link]
[2] NHS England. (2021). Nature-based practice benefits mental health treatment. Retrieved from [link]
[3] Mental Health Foundation. (2020). Nature and mental health: A review of the evidence. Retrieved from [link]
[4] handl Group. (2022). handl Group signs exclusive deal to provide Limbic's service as bespoke offering for B2B market. Retrieved from [link]
[5] Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. (2022). Green Health training opportunities for Sussex healthcare professionals. Retrieved from [link]
- From the course offered by Circle of Life Rediscovery, professionals will gain the necessary skills in nature-based practice, promoting wellbeing and mental health of individuals and groups, which aligns with the benefits of these practices as backed by science.
- With training opportunities available through partnerships with charities, NHS trusts, and established providers, healthcare professionals in health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, and mental-health sectors can now implement nature-based interventions effectively, fostering stronger communities and healthier workplaces.
- Recognizing the impact of nature on overall health and wellbeing, the exploring of outdoor settings for certain treatments by the NHS is a significant step towards integrating fitness-and-exercise, health-and-wellness, and mental-health into the broader scope of conventional treatments, breaking down boundaries between traditional and nature-based approaches.
