Green Health – What’s It All About?

Heading to 'Golden Bridge' whilst on health walk at UHI Inverness College

At the end of my third week in my new post I thought I would share a little about the project. Highland is one of four areas in Scotland to receive funding to develop a Green Health Partnership. The aim of the partnership is to develop and coordinate approaches to improve both physical and mental health through use of the natural environment. 

In Highland the vision is:
“To develop opportunities and build on existing resources to support individuals and communities to improve their health and wellbeing, and build resilience through engaging with and appreciating the natural environment”.

In this blog I will post about my work as the Development Officer and share some of my experiences. The first 3 weeks have been about meeting the partners, getting to know the service providers and understanding some of the opportunities and barriers in Highland -as well as the general induction and core training. It was great to have the opportunity to try out our pool scooters and e-bike here at NHS Highland. Given that my car broke down last week and I also got a £40 parking fine that same day, I can see me using these a lot! I particularly loved exploring the new cycleway linking Easfield retail park to the UHI Campus and on to Raigmore hospital.

A photo of Ailsa on an electric bike just outside of Larch House
A photo of Ailsa Villegas on an electric bike just outside of Larch House

The project will run for two years. We had our first partnership meeting on the 5th of December where we agreed our project outline. A more formalised work plan will be coming along with communication material.

Initial Project Outline.

 I’ve set up a twitter account @GHealthHighland and a facebook page https://www.facebook.com/GreenHealthHighland/ and these will change is appearance as we develop our branding  but will be a useful platform for networking and capturing action on the ground.  It would be great to get more follows and shares.

I will aim to get out and about with service providers each week where I can. This week I enjoyed a tour of New Craigs hospital with GreenSpace officer Kate Thomson who is working with patients to connect them to the outdoors. More details can be found here. This is part of SNH’s Green Ways to Health Programme.

I’ve been issued with a phone and have all my IT up and running now, so I should be able to capture more as I get out and about.

If you have a Green Health project that you would like me to come visit drop me a line ailsa.villegas@nhs.net