At the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, we run ‘Green social prescribing programmes’; targeted programmes designed to help people improve their health and well-being through spending regular time outdoors with like-minded people.
Our Green programmes are run in partnership with medical teams, partner organisations and education settings; our partner organisations identify the people they want to take part in the programme, and we work together to plan and deliver outdoor sessions that support participants to achieve specific health and well-being outcomes.
A typical Green programme runs for 6 to 8 full-day sessions, delivered on a weekly or monthly basis. Sessions can include, for example, walking, farm visits, practical conservation tasks, art activities, navigation, bushcraft, and anything that connects people to nature and gives them the skills and space to improve their health and well-being. All of our activities are planned to meet the needs, abilities, and expectations of the participants.
Our green social prescribing programmes are not covered by our core funding, and we need to cover the costs of Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority staff time, any specialist support and group transport. As part of our offer, we can work with our partner organisations to identify and apply for external funding to cover these costs.
If you are interested in working with us at the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, to deliver a Green programme for your organisation, please contact us and we will be in touch. Please allow a minimum of 6 weeks for us to plan and organise a Green Social Prescribing Programme.
Young Ranger programmes in schools
We know that taking part in Young Rangers improves young people’s well-being; our young people tell us that spending time outdoors with other young people helps them make new friends and taking part in activities that give back to nature helps them feel happier and more connected to the world.
Opportunities for young people
Socially prescribed walking programmes
Walking for health with local a local GP surgery. In partnership with a local GP surgery, we are running weekly walks for patients referred to the programme through the surgery.
Green social prescribing programmes