Funding of £600,000 has been announced to support the roll out of green health projects across Scotland.
NatureScot, Transport Scotland and the Scottish Government’s Active Scotland Division will provide a further two years of funding to three pilot Green Health Partnerships (GHPs) in Dundee, North Ayrshire and Highland.
The announcement was made by Public Health Minister Maree Todd at an event organised by the Highland Green Health Partnership at Evanton Woods near Dingwall to mark Social Prescribing Week.
Research shows that physical activity and contact with nature can greatly benefit physical and mental health.
Led by local health boards and councils, the partnerships are working to integrate green health solutions into the healthcare system. This includes developing green prescriptions for health walks groups, community gardening projects, and conservation and trail therapy sessions.
The partnerships are also working to gather and publish better information about local green spaces and green health projects, as well as training staff to raise awareness of the value of green health across health and social care sectors.
Speaking during the event hosted by Evanton Wood Community Company, which runs a range of green health projects including for people with dementia, Ms Todd said: “In Scotland, we’re fortunate to have a unique natural environment which can play a part in improving the health of everyone in the country. It is important that we continue to encourage and support people to use this amazing resource to be more active and spend more time outdoors in green spaces.”
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Posted On: 08/03/2022