PECT has partnered with a medical practice in the city to prescribe gardening and wellbeing walks, supporting patients with frailty and chronic health conditions.
Launched in September 2024, Healthy Green Orton has seen a green social prescriber from PECT, Jemima Leedham, join the community healthcare team at Nene Valley Hodgson Medical Practice, which has surgeries in Orton Goldhay and Werrington.
Green social prescribing complements traditional medical treatments, matching patients with nature-based, community activities such as gardening, yoga, art therapy, and volunteering. These outdoor activities can reduce loneliness, boost confidence, and improve participants’ physical and mental health.
To date, 81 patients have been referred to Jemima, with 18 now having natural interventions included in their personalised care plans. Patients can now opt in to the service if they meet the frailty criteria.
Walking football and outdoor chess
Activities currently facilitated by Jemima include wellbeing walks and gardening and coffee sessions at Westraven Community Garden in Ravensthorpe. Walking football, outdoor chess, and tree tours are being rolled out this spring and summer, and more activities are in the pipeline.
Hailing the success of the green social prescribing initiative so far, Stuart Dawks, CEO at PECT, said: “Frailty can be incredibly isolating and challenging for those affected.
“But connecting with others, getting out and enjoying nature, as well as supporting the community, can significantly improve people’s quality of life.”
Anna Bunten, Advanced Nurse Practitioner at Nene Valley Hodgson Medical Practice, added: “Social prescribers are an innovative addition to our practice, working with individuals to find out what matters to them.
“This exciting project is helping our patients access the power of nature as a treatment.”
Healthy Green Orton is co-funded by the Healthier Futures Fund (HFF) and Peterborough City Council. The project aligns with the city’s climate goals of promoting sustainable travel and reducing the environmental impact of healthcare, and it is hoped its success can be replicated elsewhere.