Dundee residents are set to benefit from a new green health partnership which signposts individuals to green initiatives in and around the city and raises awareness about the positive impact that nature can have on health.

Launching the initiative at the University of Dundee Botanic Gardens, NHS Tayside chief executive, Grant Archibald, said: “There is no doubt that there is a strong connection between green space and good mental and physical health.

“Parks, woodlands and open spaces make a real difference to how happy we feel. They also improve our immune system and encourage physical activity and social interaction. I hope the Green Health Partnership will help even more people to experience these benefits.”

Collaboration between NHS Tayside, Dundee City Council, the voluntary sector, University of Dundee, Abertay University and local community initiatives led to the establishment of the Dundee green health partnership (DGHP) this month.

"It is great to see Dundee taking the lead on developing new approaches to bringing physical activity and the outdoors together through the Green Health Partnership,” said Minister for Public Health, Sport & Wellbeing Joe FitzPatrick at the launch, held at the University of Dundee Botanic Gardens.

"This project is a fantastic example of partnership working to achieve the same goal of improving the lives of the people of Dundee."

  

Coinciding with the launch, a pilot programme of ‘green health prescriptions’ has also been launched. Lochee Health Centre, Whitfield Health Centre and Taybank Medical Centre are the first three practices where the prescriptions will be available.

Practitioners will discuss with patients if it is appropriate to offer a nature-based intervention as part of their treatment or as a preventative measure. The ‘green health prescriptions’ have been designed by NHS Tayside and will be printed on prescription paper to resemble a GP prescription.

Neighbourhood services convener, Councillor Kevin Cordell, said: “I’m delighted to see a host of key partners in Dundee coming together to with a goal to use our wonderful outdoor spaces to improve the physical and mental health of people across the city.

“The Dundee Green Health Partnership will create new and innovative ways to encourage and support more people to get outside.

“There are countless benefits that can be achieved through outdoor activity and contact with nature, including better mental health and well-being, through stress reduction, an improved mood and self-esteem.”

Eileen Stuart, head of people and nature at Scottish Natural Heritage, added: “Our natural environment is an important resource for people's health and well-being and Dundee has lots of green spaces and places providing opportunities to breathe some fresh air into your life.

“Activities like walking, cycling, volunteering, or just sitting on a park bench, can help us cope with life's ups and downs. 

“The DGHP is one of four such partnerships that we have helped establish, and we hope that they will help to demonstrate how connecting people and nature can contribute to a healthier Scotland.”

 

Pictured (left to right):  Head of strategy with Active Scotland, Caspian Richards; Minister for Public Health, Sport & Wellbeing, Joe FitzPatrick; NHS Tayside chief executive, Grant Archibald