News from our Green Health Network
Check our bulletin board regularly to keep up to date with what’s happening in our Green Health Network
Our Green Health Network brings people together to make better use of the grounds and gardens on the NHS estate, focussing on unlocking the potential of these greenspaces for improved wellbeing and environmental sustainability.
Upcoming network dates:
- 25 March 2025 – hybrid event: online and in person. Complete our online event registration form to secure your space.
- 13 May 2025 – in person – Save the date. Invites will be sent out to network members 4 weeks before
In his recent blog, Ian Mackenzie, NHS Lothian Charity, Green Health Programme Manager, shares his reflections and takeaways from our recent Tonic Arts and Green Health Network Event: Read Ian’s blog
Past Networking Events
Click on the summaries below to get a feel for some of the things we discuss at our networking events or watch some of our recorded sessions.
Working together to improve health and wellbeing in NHS Lothian
14 May 2024
Face to Face joint network event.
We were delighted to welcome members of our Green Health and Tonic Arts networks to our combined Network event, looking at how we use arts and greenspace to improve wellbeing in hospitals and health care settings across Lothian.
Attendees had the opportunity to take part in a range of workshops, working with other network members to share experiences and develop learning.
Connecting and Reconnecting: 6 Sep 2023
The first event was all about reconnecting and getting to know each other along with finding out what members are looking for from this network. The top three things that came out of the discussion were:
– Sharing good practice and sharing learning
– Information on what’s happening
– Exploring partnerships and collaboration
Project Case Studies and Referrals: 14 Nov 2023
In this session, we explored case studies and looked at address common challenges, focussing on two top themes:
– Showcasing opportunities for green health
– How people come to projects / or ‘referrals’ – including dilemmas and issues for project users and project teams.
Greenspaces for Staff Wellbeing: 6 March 2024
We were delighted to welcome Emma Martindale, Training and Standards Officer and Social and Therapeutic Horticulture Practitioner at Trellis Scotland. Emma looked at how Trellis can help green health wellbeing practitioners:
– Trellis is a charity focused on supporting gardening for therapy and for wellbeing
– Trellis has an aim of access for all to outdoor wellbeing
– Opportunities for CPD available through Trellis
The event finished with a tour of the greenspaces around the Western General for those who attended in person.
Lothian Green Social Prescribing Forum
Our first Lothian Green Social Prescribing Forum created space to connect and share our work and allowed us to have good conversations about what is working and what we can do better.
Green Health Network – Recorded Sessions
Creating Green Breathing Spaces
Using the NHS Estate for Therapeutic Activities
The Transitional Power of Gardens
Making Space for Nature
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.