About Green Care
Green Care is an evidence-based approach that uses nature and the outdoors as a means to enhance physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It is a structured, therapeutic intervention where nature is not merely a backdrop but an active part of the healing process. For individuals with learning disabilities, autism, or mental health problems, Green Care offers the opportunity to engage in purposeful, nature-based activities that promote recovery, skill-building, and a sense of connection to the environment.
The practice of Green Care can take many forms, from hands-on activities like farming and gardening to more passive experiences such as spending time in green spaces. The goal is to promote well-being by encouraging a deep connection between people and nature. By interacting with natural surroundings, individuals can experience a range of physical and emotional health benefits—reduced stress, improved mood, increased physical activity, and enhanced social connections.
At its heart, Green Care is about nurturing a meaningful relationship with the natural world while offering therapeutic support to improve the lives of those who need it most.
Camphill Village Trust’s Green Care offer
At Camphill Village Trust, our Green Care offer is integrated into every aspect of our communities. Our strategy aims to re-connect all aspects of our support services, including homes, land, farms, and gardens, through a comprehensive Green Care model. This model supports the personal growth and well-being of the people we support through three key pillars:
- Green Care Programme/Nature-based Therapy: Through our Green Care Programme, we offer a range of both indoor and outdoor supported interventions designed to meet the needs of people with learning disabilities, autism, or mental health problems. These activities—whether gardening, horticulture, or therapeutic animal care—are structured to enhance purpose, build skills, and encourage a reconnection with nature. The programme also offers genuine work and skills-based opportunities for the people we support, at our urban and rural sites.
- Green Care Nature and Lifestyle Opportunities: Our communities actively promote health and well-being through nature. This includes activities like nature walks, organic food growing, and healthy eating initiatives. By embracing a holistic approach to well-being, we encourage people to engage with the natural world as part of their daily routine, boosting both mental and physical health.
- Nature-based Health Promotion: We encourage active interaction with the natural environment through gardening, conservation efforts, and initiatives like social and nature prescribing. These activities enable people to not only enjoy nature but to actively participate in creating and sustaining natural spaces, reinforcing the benefits of both community and environmental stewardship.
More than just being in nature...
Green Care at Camphill Village Trust is about more than just being in nature—it is about actively engaging with it. Our goal is to empower individuals to improve their health and well-being through nature-based activities that are both meaningful and impactful. By integrating Green Care into our daily support services, we create opportunities for people to lead healthier, happier lives.
Why is Green Care needed?
Over ten million adults in England rely on social care, with the cost of learning disability support for working-age adults reaching around £5.5 billion annually.
There is also insufficient funding and limited opportunities for people with learning disabilities to engage in meaningful daily activities that build life and vocational skills. This can lead to social isolation and reduced independence.
While nature offers proven benefits for health and wellbeing, access to it is often not equitable for those with learning disabilities. Additionally, limited education on nutrition and restricted access to fresh food contribute to unhealthy eating habits and rising obesity in this group.
Green Care is needed to offer holistic, nature-based solutions that improve well-being, enhance skills, and promote inclusion.
About our Green Care Programme
Our Green Care Programme is a range of indoor and outdoor day activities and skills-based opportunities which connect to nature. They are therapeutic interventions expertly designed for adults with a learning disability, autism or mental health problems.
The range of activities is different at each of our communities - from being able to actively work outside in our gardens and farms, to participating in indoor nature-based creative arts, where we work with natural materials or celebrate the changing seasons and landscapes.
Our Green Care Programme addresses challenges such as isolation, lack of skills, poor health, and limited access to nature by offering inclusive, therapeutic, and skill-building activities in natural environments. Contact us now if you want to know more.
