Guest post from Bianca Illi, Senior Social Prescribing Link Worker,
The Barnet Social Prescribing looking for a local Environmental Group to develop projects with. Their first proejct is at a site in Burnt Oak. The brief for the project is below, if you have any further questions or are interested in collaborating, please e-mail Bianca on bianca.ilii@nhs.net by Monday 10 July 2023.
Barnet Green Social Prescribing Brief
What:
The Barnet Social Prescribing are developing plans to start a new gardening group at one of the GP Practices in Barnet (Burnt Oak location). The aim of the group is to encourage positive wellbeing through the exploration and appreciation of the natural world and building social networks by spending time with other people.
We are looking for a Barnet based voluntary organisation / group that would be keen to collaborate with us on this and take charge of the activity. We will be supporting throughout the whole process, especially during the funding bids.
Our initial idea has been setting up an ecotherapy horticulture group however the project is at its planning stages, therefore we are keen to listen to different ideas or mould around a specific vision of how the space is best used.
Why:
There is a consensus that green activities positively impact someone’s wellbeing and mental health. This project will encompass the 5 steps to mental wellbeing: connecting with other people, being physically active, learning a new skill, giving to others, and paying attention to the present moment. Evidence suggests that carrying out these steps can improve one’s mental health and wellbeing and support a more positive and fulfilling life.
Where & When:
Oak Lodge Medical Centre: 234 Burnt Oak Broadway, Edgware, Middlesex, HA8 0AP.
The Practice is keen on the group running during a Saturday as it may be a quieter time for the participants and staff members however, they are open for it to also run on a weekday.
Target Audience:
Anyone over the age of 18 years old who would be willing to engage and learn – identified wellbeing needs is encouraged but not necessary as we’d like for the activity to be accessible to all. There are three Social Prescribers based at the Surgery that can refer people on to the group or promote the group by signposting.