Green Spaces for Wellbeing programme launched across Cheshire East

17 November 2022 

A new, innovative green spaces for wellbeing programme was launched yesterday, in Queens Park in Crewe.

Working in partnership, Cheshire East Council, the NHS, Ansa, Everybody Leisure and the voluntary sector, launched the ‘Green Spaces for Wellbeing’ programme to support people with long term health conditions and/or mental health needs to engage with nature-based activities.

Following the introduction of a national test and trial pilot and designed around the Five Ways to Wellbeing, the programme will link participants in a 12-week programme with nature-based interventions including wildlife friendly gardening, local nature walks, mindfulness activities, food growing, habitat management and wildlife surveying. 

Since the coronavirus pandemic, when many people have experienced distress, loneliness or anxiety, there has been an increased public awareness of the benefits of regular access to green spaces.

Councillor Jill Rhodes, Cheshire East Council chair for the adults and health committee, said: “We all know that spending time outside and connecting with nature is good for our mental health and general wellbeing.

“The increase in the use of green social prescribing services will go a long way to improving residents’ mental health, as well as helping to reduce health inequalities and the pressure on our stretched health and social care services.”

The green spaces for wellbeing programme will help participants to gain confidence in their skills and abilities as well as provide the opportunity to meet and form new friendships with other group members. It is hoped many will go on to use their new skills at home and build a healthier lifestyle for themselves as part of the wider community.

To find out more and see how wildness can help your wellness, go to the council’s green spaces for wellbeing webpage or phone 01270 685589.