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 all. 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, 19th September to 7th November, 1 hour session
Cost: Free, free parking included as part of registration
- Thursday 19th September
- Thursday 26th September
- Thursday 3rd October
- Thursday 10th October
- Thursday 17th October
- Thursday 31st October
- Thursday 7th November
T’ai-Ga @ Hicks Lodge
Join us on an 8-week programme of mindful movement combining the ancient practices of T’ai Chi, Qigong and Yoga. T’ai-Ga incorporates exercises from all disciplines to aid flexibility, strength & balance; along with some mindfulness and relaxation.
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, 4th September to 23rd October, 1 hour session – FULLY BOOKED
Cost: Free, free parking included as part of registration
- Wednesday 4th September
- Wednesday 11th September
- Wednesday 18th September
- Wednesday 25th September
- Wednesday 2nd October
- Wednesday 9th October
- Wednesday 16th October
- Wednesday 23rd October
Location: Hicks Lodge Forest Centre, Ashby de la Zouch
Timing: Tuesdays, weekly 12:00pm, 6th November to 11th December, 1 hour session
Cost: Free, free parking included as part of registration
- Wednesday 6th November
- Wednesday 13th November
- Wednesday 20th November
- Wednesday 27th November
- Wednesday 4th December
- Wednesday 11th December
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.