Benefits of Natural Therapies and Physical Activity in Healthcare
In a groundbreaking move, Natural England and Circle of Life Rediscovery (CLR) have joined forces to bring nature-based practice into the UK's National Health Service (NHS). This partnership aims to leverage the healing power of green spaces and promote mental wellbeing among healthcare professionals and their patients [1].
Under this collaboration, handl Group has signed an exclusive deal to offer Limbic's AI-based mental healthcare services as a bespoke offering for the B2B market. This marks the first time Limbic's services will be available outside the NHS [2].
Meanwhile, the training for NHS staff is being delivered by Circle of Life Rediscovery, a community interest company based in Laughton, near Lewes. The five-month course aims to give participants the confidence and competence to work with groups in various outdoor settings [3].
The course, which has seen 36 NHS staff in Sussex complete since 2023, offers an ITC Level 3 qualification. It is suitable for professionals who support children, young people, and adults, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social and youth workers, therapists, and family support workers [4].
The training is part of a wider nature-based training initiative for NHS staff. The initiative, which includes a three-year survey conducted by Natural England, the University of Exeter, and the Natural Environment Research Council, aims to investigate the long-term effects of exposure to natural spaces on people's health, behavior, and attitude towards the environment [5].
Sarah Davies, Natural England's principal adviser for partnerships in Sussex and Kent, states that "nature can relax, educate, and help reduce anxiety and depression" [6]. Marina Robb, director and founder of Circle of Life Rediscovery, believes that training NHS staff is a sensible way to bring the benefits of nature-based practice into the NHS and provide access to nature for physical and mental health [7].
Healthcare staff have reported feeling more relaxed, refreshed, and re-energized when outside, and it's hoped these benefits can transfer to patient care [8]. The scheme also includes a trial scheme to organize walking and cycling for those unable to do it by themselves, offering both physical and mental health benefits [9].
Despite the benefits, the UK Government survey reveals that less than half of the population has visited the countryside or a local park recently [10]. This partnership, therefore, serves as a timely reminder of the importance of integrating nature into mental health care and everyday life.
References: [1] Natural England and Circle of Life Rediscovery Partnership Boosts Mental Health Care with Nature-Based Training for NHS Staff [2] handl Group Signs Exclusive Deal with Limbic for AI-Based Mental Healthcare Services [3] Training Delivered by Circle of Life Rediscovery for NHS Staff [4] Course Details for NHS Staff Nature-Based Training [5] Wider Nature-Based Training Initiative for NHS Staff [6] Sarah Davies on the Benefits of Nature for Mental Health Care [7] Marina Robb on Bringing Nature-Based Practice into the NHS [8] Healthcare Staff Report Feeling More Relaxed Outdoors [9] Trial Scheme Organizes Walking and Cycling for Mental Health Benefits [10] UK Government Survey Reveals Low Visits to Natural Spaces
- This partnership between Natural England and Circle of Life Rediscovery (CLR) aims to integrate nature-based practices into the UK's National Health Service (NHS) to promote mental wellbeing among healthcare professionals and their patients.
- The training program, delivered by Circle of Life Rediscovery, offers professionals a chance to work with groups in various outdoor settings, with a focus on health-and-wellness, mental-health, and lifestyle, as part of the initiative to bring nature's healing power into the NHS.
- The partnership also extends to the offering of Limbic's AI-based mental healthcare services as a bespoke B2B option, marking the first time these services are available outside the NHS.
- The course, which includes fitness-and-exercise and outdoor-living elements, offers an ITC Level 3 qualification and is aimed at a wide range of health professionals, encouraging home-and-garden activities for both physical and mental wellbeing.
