Social prescribing and community-based support enable GP’s, other health and care practitioners and local agencies to refer people to a link worker who provides people with time and focuses on what matters to the individual. For some people this will be green social prescribing, which links them to nature-based interventions and activities, such as local walking for health schemes, mindfulness in nature and nature connection sessions.
As a passionate nature-based activities provider we are proud to be able to accept referrals from Community Social Prescribers. These referrals fall under the paid for section of the Pilot scheme, but are no less effective than those that are funded through the NHS.
Examples of conditions that can be helped through Green Social Prescribing include (but are not limited to):
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Low self esteem
- Arthritis
- Physical rehabilitation
- Weight loss
- Getting back into exercise
Patients with a Personal Budget are able to use this funding to access our sessions. For more information about Personal Budgets, please speak with your local authority.
As a provider in the heart of The National Forest, we are able to provide support to people from Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Staffordshire. The benefits of using nature to support other medical treatments is proven and we are examples of how it can help with improving mental health, which in turn enables you to take steps to improve your physical health.
What we offer
Our sessions and activities are varied with something for all ages offered throughout the year. Please find below a list of some of the sessions we offer:
- Meditation
- T’ai Chi (indoors and outdoors)
- Forest Bathing
- Strength & Balance (falls prevention)
- 1-2-1 Support (indoors and outdoors)
- Walk & Talk sessions
- Yoga
Current Programmes
Stride & Stretch @ Hicks Lodge
An 8-week programme of accessible exercise for people who are already on their fitness/exercise journey and have a faster pace when walking. This is a perfect way to build on a habit you’ve already created and learn some exercises you can continue at home.
Our walking exercise programme combines walking with stretches, strength, and balance work to improve overall fitness. You will be guided safely through this wellness walk and feel good in the forest at the same time.
Location: Hicks Lodge Forest Centre, Ashby de la Zouch
Timing: Mondays, weekly 9:30am, 6th January 2025 to 24th February 2025, 1 hour session
Cost: Free, free parking included as part of registration
- Monday 6th January
- Monday 13th January
- Monday 20th January
- Monday 27th January
- Monday 3rd February
- Monday 10th February
- Monday 17th February
- Monday 24th February
Stroll & Stretch @ Hicks Lodge
An 8-week programme of accessible exercise for people just starting out on their fitness/exercise journey or who have a slower pace when walking. This is a perfect way to build a habit and learn some exercises you can continue at home.
Our walking exercise programme combines walking with stretches, strength, and balance work to improve overall fitness. You will be guided safely through this wellness walk and feel good in the forest at the same time.
Location: Hicks Lodge Forest Centre, Ashby de la Zouch
Timing: Thursdays, weekly 9:30am, 6th February 2025 to 27th March 2025, 1 hour session
Cost: Free, free parking included as part of registration
- Thursday 6th February
- Thursday 13th February
- Thursday 20th February
- Thursday 27th February
- Thursday 6th March
- Thursday 13th March
- Thursday 20th March
- Thursday 27th March
Forest Bathing @ Hicks Lodge
Join us on an 8-week programme of mindful connection with nature. Learning the practice of Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Bathing), you will be guided through contemporary and traditional invitations which will aid the reduction of stress hormones and the increase in feel good hormones.
These sessions are delivered by an experienced instructor and can be adapted to suit the needs to those attending. Sessions are suitable for all!
Location: Hicks Lodge Forest Centre, Ashby de la Zouch
Timing: Wednesdays, weekly 12:00pm, 8th January 2025 to 26th February 2025, 1 hour session
Cost: Free, free parking included as part of registration
- Wednesday 8th January
- Wednesday 15th January
- Wednesday 22nd January
- Wednesday 29th January
- Wednesday 5th February
- Wednesday 12th February
- Wednesday 19th February
- Wednesday 26th February
Nature Journaling @ Hicks Lodge
Join us on an 8-week programme of creative and relaxing connection with nature. Participants will be provided with the basic tools to to start their journaling journey; and each week we will look at a different way to record what you see and the feeling associated with it.
These sessions are delivered by an experienced instructor and can be adapted to suit the needs to those attending. Sessions are suitable for all!
Location: Hicks Lodge Forest Centre, Ashby de la Zouch
Timing: Wednesdays, weekly 9am, 19th February 2025 to 9th April 2025, 1 hour session
Cost: Free, free parking included as part of registration
- Wednesday 19th February
- Wednesday 26th February
- Wednesday 5th March
- Wednesday 12th March
- Wednesday 19th March
- Wednesday 26th March
- Wednesday 2nd April
- Wednesday 9th April
Please see links below to our pre and post programme questionnaires:
Please complete before the programme starts: https://forms.gle/cwNYNYmYbzG5UDmu8
Please complete after the programme has finished: https://forms.gle/o6mvhRTSX8rXtLJS8
Referrals
If you would like to make a referral please complete the below form:
If you would like more information about the sorts of things we offer, please email us.
