This page follows on from the discussion panel on social prescribing held as part of the intercalated BA in Medcial Humanities end-of-year celebration (25th May, 2022). We would like to thank again our speakers: Lucy Duggan, The Human Nature Project; Paul Jones, participant; Will Shipp, social prescribing link worker; Marion Steiner, GP; Samantha Walton, author of Everybody Needs Beauty; Will Walton-Freeman, Blue Prescribing, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust. Our thanks also to the audience. The session was chaired by Dr Katie Hall, for medicine360.co.uk.
From the panel discussion, the Q&A, and the conversations afterwards, it became clear that some way of gathering together useful sources of information on social prescribing and related matters would be welcome. This page -- which is under development and will be added to -- is a first attempt at doing that. The speakers were asked to suggest their 'top 5 links or tips'. We will also be asking the audience for their suggestions, and as both come in they will be added here.
As that suggests, the list that follows is in no order of importance, but simply (more or less) in order of arrival. Towards the bottom of the page are some links relevant to particular areas in Bristol.
We hope you find the page of use.
1. Lucy Duggan from The Human Nature Project
An interview with Qing Li - the pioneer of medical research into health impacts of forest bathing
A blog post about some of the heath benefits of nature
Information about becoming a qualified forest therapy practitioner with our training programme
A conversation on Connecting Place and Nature - a neuroscience perspective with Iain Magilchrist on the necessity of nature connection for health and meaning.
2. Marion Steiner from Southmead and Henbury Family Practice
Festival of Nature -- 'The UK’s largest free celebration of the natural world’ June 10-18th 2022- lots of free taster sessions
30 Days Wild -- National Wildlife Trusts across the country encouraging people to spend time in nature in variety of ways during June - good for individuals, families, workplaces
Nature Connectedness Course -- online free resource from the University of Derby- a practical course backed up with lots of research, very user-friendly at all levels
Visit a Social Prescribing project locally, e.g. Southmead Development Trust, to see what they’re up to -- you can see a flavour of what they offer here
Have a look at what the Social Prescribing Network are doing nationally and internationally
3. Will Freeman from WWT (Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust)
('I have headed in the "green/blue social prescribing" direction and provided a few links, texts and tips on the pitfalls and possibilities within this')
University of Exeter – Nature on Prescription Handbook
Cormac Russell – Rekindling Democracy (community development and citizen-led action. Broad discussion on where we are and where we could be)
Julian Abel and Lindsey Clarke – The Compassion Project (great example from Frome in Somerset of a broader-than social prescribing model that centres of building compassionate communities. There's an audiobook, too.)
Nurture Development – Centre for Asset-based community development & training and learning
Flock Together – a people-run collective supporting access to the natural world for people of diverse backgrounds through bird watching
Find/create spaces of diversity - that is also diversity of experience, opinion and outlook - and find shared ways to collaborate
Remembering citizenship - think of something you enjoy, that lights you up, and ask someone if they might want to do it with you. Try to remain curious, rather than helpful. If you and two [neighbours] came together, what would you care enough to act on?
4. Will Shipp, a Bristol-based Social Prescribing Link Worker, Facilitator, and Health Coach
A Bristol-wide services finder directory
Bristol Wellbeing College courses -- part of the Second Step website
Avon Wildlife Trust Wellbeing with Nature -- with the focus on self-care and nature connection
A great example of Social Prescribing initiatives -- Frome Medical Practice Social Prescribing
Windmill Hill City Farm -- a guide to the variety of courses upcoming at the Farm
5. Alan Kellas
West of England Nature Partnership -- 'joining up the dots for nature'. Includes a directory of practitioners for Nature and Health, and a map of accessible green spaces
nature nurture -- 'on a mission to support wellbeing and wildlife by connecting people with the parks, woodlands and waterways on their doorsteps'
By Region
Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire -- Green Social Prescribing Directory
Eastville
Hartcliffe
BS13
