‘’We tend to think of prescriptions as something medical, but at the Natural Health Service it’s looking at how we can support people in nature.’’ Steph, Natural Health Service Lead
The Natural Health Service at Northern Roots is a social prescribing programme designed to support health and wellbeing through providing connection to nature, growing, creativity and community. For our pilot programme, we partnered with Hill Top Surgery in Fitton Hill and have been supporting individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, social isolation and ill health.
We also deliver nature-based sessions for Turning Point, supporting their impactful drug and alcohol recovery services, and Get Oldham Working, encouraging participants to build confidence and self-belief ahead of gaining employment.
Sessions can include activities such as going for a nature walk, nature craft, tree identification, cloud gazing, whittling, foraging, and focusing on breathing, letting go of stress and deepening connection to nature and each other.
In the coming weeks we will be broadening our access to more local residents and introducing other pathways to our service. Keep an eye on our social media and this webpage for opportunities to get involved.
“We adapt our sessions, so they are accessible for those with complex, overlapping health and mobility needs. The difference in participants is incredible. They say they’ve become more interested in life again, they notice things and are more engaged with the world, and that correlates with a sense of purpose and wellbeing that improves all aspects of their lives.’’ Steph, Natural Health Service Lead
“One patient, who had support appointments every 4 – 6 weeks before joining the Natural Health Service, has requested to book appointments only as and when she needs them in future. She says she no longer needs this level of support and has expressed loving her time at Northern Roots.” GP, Hilltop Surgery, Fitton Hill
“This is a new world where we can leave everything stressful behind and have some time for us.” Participant, Natural Health Service, Northern Roots