NHS Lanarkshire’s very own green health volunteers have won an award for their contribution to nature.
In recent years, NHS Lanarkshire and the Lanarkshire Green Health Partnership have partnered with Clydesdale Community Initiatives Scotland (CCI Scotland) to develop a popular Green Health Programme.
As a result, a range of green health opportunities are offered to inpatients, outpatients and community volunteers as well as hospital staff and visitors.
Part of the opportunities provided by CCI Scotland are weekly gardening groups across five NHS Lanarkshire sites:
- Kirklands, Bothwell
- Cleland, Motherwell
- Coathill, Coatbridge
- Lady Home, Lanark
- Airbles Road Centre (ARC), Motherwell
These groups help promote health and wellbeing benefits for those who take part and work with Clydesdale Foodbank to grow and donate fresh vegetables to residents within communities. The project has donated almost 1,000kg of healthy vegetables – all of which were grown on NHS Lanarkshire grounds and CCI food network sites.
Recognising their contribution to nature, participants have been awarded the Discovery Award from the John Muir Trust, which is a nationally recognised, individual award scheme.
Marie McKeown, Partnership Manager – Lanarkshire Green Health Partnership, NHS Lanarkshire said: “Our ongoing partnership with CCI Scotland supports patients, hospital visitors and our staff to experience a positive boost to their physical, emotional and mental health. It also results in new and improved hospital grounds which help to boost wellbeing.
“We are delighted to see everyone involved have been given this great award for their amazing work.
“The health benefits of spending time in nature are known to help relieve stress, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and improve sleep, we’re thrilled to be able to offer such a rewarding initiative.”
Jamie Hope, training and project development coordinator, CCI Scotland, said: “Taking part in the John Muir Award enabled us to increase engagement with inpatients, outpatients and volunteers during lockdown, encouraging and supporting them to get outside and explore nature.
“As well as having a significant impact on their mental health and wellbeing, it kept the connection and participation with the project. The enthusiasm shown by the participants and volunteers and support from the staff involved has been fantastic.
“Spending time outdoors with nature and gardening has also helped others as we donate surplus produce grown to the Clydesdale Foodbank to support others in need within the community.
“Being recognised for their connection to nature, conservation and what they have given back is a great achievement.”
Liz Barthram, chairperson, at Clydesdale Foodbank commented: “We are really grateful for the fresh vegetables we receive, it supplements the store cupboard food and reduces cost in purchasing fresh produce.”
