Natural Health Service

Our Natural Health Service blends nature connection, sensory practice, creative activity and gentle outdoor experiences to support people experiencing mental health challenges, long-term health conditions, addiction recovery and the after-effects of serious illness.

Originally launched in 2023 as a six-month pilot working with patients from Hill Top GP Surgery in Fitton Hill. The service is now commissioned by Oldham Integrated Care Board and Oldham Public Health to support people referred by GPs, community groups, cancer services and drug and alcohol support groups.

Unlike traditional green social prescribing models focused primarily on gardening or physical activity, we’ve developed a distinctive approach here at Northern Roots centred on intentional nature connection. Every session is carefully designed to help participants slow down, feel safe and reconnect with their surroundings.

We work with international clinical and research partners to evidence the impact of our Natural Health Service.    Participants frequently describe being part of the programme as transformative. One participant reflected that it helped people step away from what they described as “robot lives”, reconnecting them with nature, creativity and each other. 

‘’We tend to think of prescriptions as something medical, but at the Natural Health Service we look at how we can support people in nature.

Our approach is rooted in intentionality. Every element, from sensory objects and seasonal rituals to the pace of the sessions and the way our trained Nature Connection guides hold the space, is designed to help people feel safe enough to slow down and reconnect with themselves, with nature and with others.

For many people who come here, life has become incredibly fast, pressured and overwhelming. Creating space to notice the world again – the smell of coffee, the sound of birds, the feel of the sun on your face – can be incredibly powerful. These simple moments help people move out of constant stress and back into their bodies.”

Steph Wild, our 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 at Hilltop Surgery, Fitton Hill

If you would like to access the Natural Health Service we are currently taking referrals from Fitton Hill and Glodwick GP Practices, Turning Point, Maggies Oldham and Macmillan.

If you would like to develop a referral partnership with us please get in touch with us on info@northern-roots.uk