Numerous scientific studies over the years have demonstrated the benefits that being in nature has on our health. These include better concentration in school, reduced obesity and blood pressure, reduced stress and depression, reduced symptoms of dementia, and feeling safer where you live.
The HEY LNP wants to make these studies a reality in our area, working with the local public health teams to identify projects and areas where better nature and better access to nature can support local health issues, such as child and adult obesity, dementia, depression and conditions caused by air pollution.
The HEY LNP have also been keeping a close eye on the developments and benefits of green and blue social prescribing in the region. Green and blue social prescribing is when people are prescribed outdoor and nature-based activities to improve their health and wellbeing. Following the success of the Humber and North Yorkshire Green Social Prescribing (GSP) Test and Learn programme led by HEY Smile on behalf of the Humber and North Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership, the HEY LNP and ERYC Public Health team have been investigating ways in which green and blue social prescribing activities can be promoted throughout the region and be integrated into workforce health and wellbeing options.
You can find out more about green and blue social prescribing, as well as the test and learn pilot scheme, on HEY Smile’s Growing Green and Blue Health site here: Growing Green and Blue Health in Humber and North Yorkshire – HEY Smile Foundation
To find out which outdoor activities are being offered in the region, visit: https://www.eastridinghealthandwellbeing.co.uk/