Cheshire’s Natural Health Service uses the west of the county’s green space assets to help tackle local health inequalities.
The initiative builds on the growing body of evidence that activities in the natural environment can have a significant impact on both keeping people healthy. The programme is made up of health-promoting, enjoyable group activities within some of Cheshire West & Chester’s wonderful green spaces. These activities include:
> Health Walks
> Forest School and Forest School activities
> Horticulture Therapy
> Practical Conservation, including Green Gym
> Mindful contact with nature
Over the next three years the project is working to get over 3,000 people involved, aiming to increase their physical activity by 40% and wellbeing by 20%. The partnership consists of The Mersey Forest, Cheshire West & Chester Council and Active Cheshire.
Working in conjunction with the Natural Health Service Centre of Excellence, which includes both the University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University, all of our activities are academically evaluated. This will include a baseline and follow-on questionnaire and surveys, and will produce the much needed community based evidence to demonstrate the value of our ‘Natural Health Service’.
Sessions are targeted at both adults and children and designed to be welcoming to complete beginners; please scroll down to see the activities.
To find out more, please contact Suzanne Londra on [email protected]