Intervention development and acceptability/feasibility study of a greenspace programme for mental health and problem substance use

With rising levels of poor mental health and substance-related harm, there is increasing pressure on treatment/recovery services to deliver support to people with varying needs while limiting costs. Emerging evidence suggests greenspace programmes, defined as health programmes run outside in nature, may offer an effective alternative to more traditional approaches to treatment, which can be perceived as highly medicalised and costly. Although previous research has explored why greenspace programmes appear to be successful, there are still key knowledge gaps which limit development. This project will address these gaps and explore why programmes are successful from a lived experience perspective. It will also identify how ‘success’ can be communicated and what post-programme support should look like. From these findings, and drawing on insights from programme staff and wider stakeholders, a new greenspace intervention will be designed; and clients, staff, and stakeholders will be consulted on their views on its acceptability.