Understanding how those most at risk of poor mental health and wellbeing can be

Tender description

The Government’s 25 Year Environment Plan (25 YEP) was published in January 2018, setting out government action to help the natural world regain and retain good health. Key aims of the plan are to help people improve their health and wellbeing by using green spaces and connect people more systematically with the Natural environment to improve mental health, using the natural environment as a resource for preventative and therapeutic purposes. This research aims to deliver greater understanding and insight into how those most at risk of poor mental health and wellbeing in England can be supported to increase their use and access to the Natural environment for improved mental health and wellbeing. This research will briefly review available evidence and current practice to identify effective interventions and practice in supporting increased use of the Natural environment by those most at risk of poor mental health and wellbeing. This should deepen our understanding of what works, for whom, in what circumstances, and why, and identify the kind of interventions that effect the greatest benefits to the target group. The project will provide in-depth insight into priority geographic areas to understand the specific barriers and challenges experienced by communities, as well as those faced by services, local authorities and professionals in supporting increased use of and access to the Natural environment, and provide recommendations for how these could be overcome. The evidence produced as part of this project should inform future efforts in supporting increased use of the Natural environment by those most at risk of poor mental health and wellbeing and identify how any interventions could be planned, delivered, promoted and evaluated, further in practice. The project is expected to last 12 months, from February 2019 to January 2020.