{"id":42,"date":"2025-01-16T18:33:33","date_gmt":"2025-01-16T18:33:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lmtest.stir.ac.uk\/?page_id=42"},"modified":"2025-08-21T15:43:55","modified_gmt":"2025-08-21T15:43:55","slug":"title","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/greenspace.stir.ac.uk\/","title":{"rendered":"Greenspace programmes for people with poor mental health and substance use challenges"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Greenspace programmes are outdoor initiatives designed to support physical and mental wellbeing. Activities may include gardening, conservation activities, hiking, and forest walks, among others. With rising concerns about substance use and mental health in Scotland, greenspace programmes could offer person-centred approaches to support, since emerging evidence suggests positive outcomes for those with substance dependence while taking part.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Previous work by our research team allowed development of a theoretical framework that looked to explain\u00a0why\u00a0<\/em>greenspace programmes work. In this current project, we firstly updated this framework by interviewing a wide range of people from across Scotland involved\/interested in greenspace programmes. We then undertook more interviews to move the framework into practical guidance for those wanting to set up a new greenspace programme for people with poor mental health and substance dependence. The guidance manual documents (which are explained below and can be viewed using the\u00a0Guidance documents<\/em>\u00a0tab or link below)\u00a0were reviewed extensively by our advisory groups, the project team, and by organisations we worked with across the project. This ensures they are acceptable from the point of view of a range of stakeholders. As well as the manuals, further information on this project’s methods and the previous work the project was based on can also be found via the tabs at the top of the page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Community Garden painting by Linda McGowan <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The guidance documents are designed primarily for healthcare\/social care practitioners\/anyone who is supporting people with poor mental health and substance dependence who are interested in setting up a greenspace programme, but will likely be of interested to anyone who wants to know more about his approach. The guidance manual documents are made up of three components:<\/p>\n\n\n\n