Dose of Nature

Dose of Nature

At a glance

Causes

  • Mental health

Other details

Organisation type: 
Charity
Geographical remit: 
Local

Objectives

Dose of Nature is a mental health charity whose purpose is to improve the mental health and wellbeing of individuals through increased engagement with the natural world. Our work is rooted in a wealth of scientific evidence that demonstrates the physiological and psychological benefits of spending time in nature. 

We deliver ‘nature prescriptions’ to people referred by their GP with a wide range of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, stress, bereavement, trauma, and addiction. Through a combination of education, first-hand experience, and practical and motivational support, we encourage a greater connection with nature, and inspire lifestyle changes that have a significant and lasting impact on mental wellbeing. Our model is a positive, hopeful and outward-looking approach to mental health.

Activities

Dose of Nature Prescriptions

Our 10-week Dose of Nature Prescription Programme is a genuine alternative to both medication and more traditional psychological interventions, and our recovery rates are significantly higher than those for comparable mental health interventions such as CBT (over 75% for a Dose of Nature prescription, compared with 33-50% for an equivalent NHS treatment).

As a result of our nature prescriptions, many clients reduce, and frequently cease, their medication, and report significant lifestyle changes such as returning to work or university, finding a job, doing voluntary work, or undertaking new training. Furthermore, with a focus on developing new habits, independent of the person delivering the 10-week programme, clients have a life-long resource in nature that is free, accessible, and unlimited.

Dose of Nature Workshops 

Alongside our individual nature prescriptions, we deliver well-being workshops, teaching the general population about the benefits of spending more time outside in natural spaces. Previous groups have included students, young parents, older adults, teachers, psychologists, refugees, victims of domestic abuse, carers, charity leaders, NHS workers and firefighters.

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