Network Update: The Power of Volunteering in NHS Lothian’s Green Spaces
Our recent event brought together experts from across our Green Health Network to discuss the “big picture” of greenspace volunteering and the difference it can make. Here are the key takeaways from that inspiring session.
The Big Picture: Why Green Health?
Ian Mackenzie opened the session by outlining the dual mission of the Green Health Programme:
- Improving Health: Using the outdoor estate to boost physical and mental wellbeing for everyone on site.
- Environmental Impact: Fighting climate change and biodiversity loss through smart garden design.
However, a garden is only as good as its upkeep. “A lot of the estate isn’t welcoming yet,” Ian noted. The biggest challenge? Maintenance. That is where our incredible volunteers come in—not to replace staff, but to provide the extra capacity and passion that makes these spaces truly flourish.
How Volunteering Works at NHS Lothian
Diane Lockhart, Voluntary Services Manager at the Western General, shared the scale of NHS Lothians operation. With over 800 volunteers from Livingston to Haddington (some as young as 16 and others as legendary as 91!), the program is a powerhouse of community spirit.
Key Features of NHS Volunteering:
- Demand-Led: Volunteers are placed where they are needed most—from ward helpers to “welcome guides” navigating hospital construction.
- Structured Support: Every volunteer goes through a clear pathway: interviews, training, shadowing, and regular one-to-one reviews.
- Specialised Roles: Beyond general help, volunteers offer therapeutic skills like gardening, music, and complementary therapies (such as hand massages for dialysis patients).
- Lived Experience: Peer support volunteers (e.g., in renal or mental health services) provide a level of empathy and insight that clinical staff simply can’t replicate.
Spotlight: The Cyrenians Community Gardens
Kathryn Bailey and Hannah Macrae from the Cyrenians gave us a deep dive into the “non-hierarchical” world of the Royal Edinburgh Hospital gardens. In these spaces, the labels of “patient,” “staff,” or “patient” disappear—everyone is simply a volunteer.
What makes their model special?
- Meaningful Layers: Activities are tailored to the individual—whether it’s manual tasks to increase physical activity or gentle seed sowing for those with physical limitations.
- The “Buddy” System: Experienced volunteers act as buddies, helping patients engage with nature in a safe, social environment.
- Community Hub: The gardens aren’t just for patients; they are for the wider community. One local mother even shared that her children learned to walk in the garden because they didn’t have green space at home.
The gardens are a non-hierarchical space… away from the wards and a more formal transactional model. We treat everybody the same.” – Kathryn Bailey
The Ingredients of a Great Opportunity
The session concluded with a discussion on what makes volunteering “work.” The consensus? Purpose and Partnership.
| Feature | Why it Matters |
| Skill Matching | Using a volunteer’s specific skill (like an joiner fixing cold frames) increases their sense of worth. |
| Training | Offering courses in trauma-informed practice or food hygiene builds volunteer confidence. |
| Refreshments | Never underestimate the power of tea and biscuits to build social bonds! |
| Corporate Sync | When companies volunteer, matching them with high-impact tasks (like painting or bulb planting) creates a “win-win.” |
Save the Date!
Our next meeting will be in-person at the Western General Hospital on May 13th, 2026. This will be a joint session with Tonic Arts, featuring practical workshops and a networking lunch.
Join our network
If you feel passionately about the benefits of nature and their potential in addressing health inequalities, join our Green Health Network. All you need are a few good ideas, a little time to spare and and a willingness to be involved with promoting and supporting green health activities across Lothian.