Natural Health Service
What is it?
The Natural Health Service is a nature-based health and wellbeing programme operating across Cheshire West, using the natural environment to support mental health, physical wellbeing and social resilience.
The programme delivers evidence-based services that use access to nature and green infrastructure as part of a holistic approach to health and social care. Activities include health walks, horticultural therapy, mindful contact with nature, healthy conservation and forest school programmes.
The initiative works with the NHS, local authorities and community organisations to embed nature-based interventions into wider wellbeing and preventative healthcare approaches.
Why is this needed? / Why are we doing this?
There is growing evidence linking access to nature with improved mental health, physical wellbeing and reduced social isolation.
At the same time, health and care systems are facing increasing pressure, creating demand for preventative, community-based approaches that improve wellbeing while reducing long-term health inequalities.
The Natural Health Service has been developed to strengthen connections between people and nature while supporting healthier communities and greater use of green infrastructure as part of public health delivery.
The programme also helps raise awareness of the role nature can play in improving quality of life and community resilience.
What is it going to deliver?
The programme will deliver:
- Nature-based health and wellbeing services
- Health walks and outdoor wellbeing activities
- Horticultural therapy programmes
- Mindful contact with nature initiatives
- Healthy conservation activities
- Forest school programmes
- Greater access to nature for communities
- Improved mental and physical wellbeing outcomes
- Stronger community resilience and social connection
- Increased integration of green infrastructure within health and care approaches
The programme aims to create healthier, more connected communities through increased engagement with nature.
£400,000, with match funding from the NHS and Public Health.
Cheshire West and Chester.
Community-based health and wellbeing programme across Cheshire West and Chester.
Local Authority Area:
Cheshire West and Chester.
How Long is the Programme:
Continuous Programme.
Lead Partner:
Networks for Nature Partnership, Cheshire West and Chester Council, Cheshire West Voluntary Action.
Why Invest Now?
- Growing evidence linking nature with health and wellbeing outcomes
- Increasing demand for preventative health interventions
- Strong alignment with public health and wellbeing priorities
- Opportunity to reduce long-term pressure on health services
- Demonstrates the social value of green infrastructure investment
- Supports healthier, more resilient communities through nature-based solutions
Impact and Returns:
Health & Wellbeing Returns
- Improved mental health and emotional wellbeing
- Increased physical activity and healthier lifestyles
- Reduced social isolation and loneliness
- Greater community resilience and social connection
- Preventative health benefits linked to access to nature
Social & Community Returns
- Increased participation in nature-based activities
- Greater awareness of the value of green infrastructure
- Improved community access to natural environments
- Stronger links between environmental and health organisations
Strategic Returns
- Supports preventative health and social care approaches
- Aligns with wider public health and wellbeing priorities
- Demonstrates the value of nature-based health interventions
- Strengthens integration between nature recovery and health systems
LNRS Priorities and Actions / LNP Goals:
This project aligns with the following Cheshire Local Nature Partnership goals:
Goal Two
Increase connection between people and nature including raising awareness of nature.
U1
Green and blue wildlife corridors between urban and rural Cheshire and Warrington
NBS1
Nature, people and economy thriving through more, bigger, better and more joined up Green and Blue Infrastructure
GET INVOLVED
Contact the Cheshire Nature Local Partnership
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