National Evaluation of the Preventing and Tackling Mental Ill Health through Green Social Prescribing Project

Annette Haywood; Chris Dayson; Ruth Garside; Alexis Foster; Kerryn Husk; Rebecca Lovell; Eleanor Holding; Julian Dobson; Cathy Harris; Phil Northall; Katie Shearn; Ian Wilson

This report presents the findings of a comprehensive two-year evaluation of the Green Social Prescribing (GSP) project, which aimed to improve mental health outcomes through nature-based activities across England. Conducted by a consortium of universities, the evaluation assessed the impact of the GSP project on improving mental health, reducing health inequalities, and decreasing the demand on health and social care systems. The project engaged more than 8,300 people from diverse and deprived communities, leading to statistically significant improvements in wellbeing measures, such as happiness and life satisfaction. The report highlights the value for money offered by GSP, with an estimated social return on investment of £2.42 for every £1 invested. The evaluation provides key insights into the factors that contribute to the successful scale-up and embedding of GSP within health systems, including the need for sustainable funding models, strong political advocacy, and enhanced coordination between stakeholders. Recommendations are offered for expanding GSP, with a focus on reducing inequalities in access to nature-based activities and improving data collection processes for monitoring outcomes.

environmental health public health mental health services program evaluation social determinants of health value for money health inequality social prescribing nature-based interventions