Integrating Nature-based Interventions into the NHS
In October 2023, 20 NHS Sussex Staff participated in the Certificate in Nature-based Training with a view to implementing nature-based practice into their workplace, these places and the subsequent research was generously funded by Natural England.
All staff were working with young people with complex mental health in Sussex, with roles including occupational therapist, mental health professional, nurse, outreach, forensics; working with psychosis, personality disorders, self-harm, eating disorders etc. These staff attended a training on nature-based health interventions through our Certificate in Nature-based Practice Training and then took part in qualitative individual and group interviews with an academic researcher Dr Max Hope, to evaluate their experience with using nature-based interventions in their subsequent work with service-users.
The final report Exploring the impact of nature-based training on practitioners in mental health and public, primary, and community health services, Author: Dr Max Hope, June 2024 has now been published and can be read and downloaded here.
Exploring the impact of nature-based training on practitioners in mental health and public, primary, and community health services
Author: Author: Dr Max Hope, June 2024, Funded in Partnership with Natural England
Train With Us
Do you want to join the next Certificate in Nature-based Training co-facilitated by nature experts Marina Robb and Jon Cree?
Through a combination of experiential learning, webinars and online resources, you’ll gain the confidence and competence to work with people in a range of outdoor settings.
The course is suited to professionals who support children, young people and adults, including:
- Psychotherapists or psychologists
- Health professionals
- Mental health, social or youth workers
- Teachers
- Occupational therapists
- Art, drama or play therapists
- Creative practitioners
- Family, support, time & recovery workers
- Psychiatrists
About Us
Founded by Managing Director and author Marina Robb, we are an award-winning Community Interest Company. What’s more, we’re:
- An approved East Sussex Outdoor Centre
- Recognised Centre of the Open College Network West Midlands Region
- John Muir Award Provider at Discovery and Explorer Level
Our Awards
- Winner of the ITV People’s Project competition (Family Disability and Mental Health Project) 2017
- SPARK Environmental Achievement Award 2016
- Sussex Partnership Positive Practice Award 2015
- Highly recommended status at the National Innovation in Child, Adolescent and Young People’s Mental Health Awards 2017
- Innovation and Excellence Award: Therapeutic Services Provider of the Year 2021
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