Roots to Wellbeing FAQs

Find out everything you need to know about Roots to Wellbeing, our leading green social prescribing service.


  • How can I get there?

    We encourage people to walk or use public transport to attend our sessions. However, we appreciate this isn’t always an option for a variety of reasons. So, we can provide transport free of charge to and from our sessions at all of our sites.

  • How often do you run sessions?

    We run sessions every week in 6-week blocks. We then pause delivery for a week, during this time, we will contact participants via phone in order to have an in-depth 1:1 check in and offer signposting and referral support. Participants are welcome to join ‘mid-block’.

  • Who runs the sessions?

    Each session is delivered by two people: one mental health lead who has a qualification and extensive experience support people with mental health difficulties and one nature lead, who has knowledge and expertise in gardening and biodiversity.

    The team is made up of Sara, Hope, Kat, Claire, Joe, Sam & Rachel.

  • I have signed up. What happens next?

    Once you have filled in our form, the mental health lead for your site with contact you by phone within 14 days. The purpose of this call is to introduce ourselves, answer any questions you have and find out a little bit more about you to ensure we support you in the best and safest way possible.

  • Do I have to be very fit and active?

    No! We want to support everyone to experience the benefits of being in nature. So, we encourage you to attend even if you have difficulties with your mobility. However, our sessions do sometimes include a short walk or kneeling down to plant or weed. If you are concerned about your ability to participate, please send an email to roots@yourpark.org.uk or call us on 07510659215 and we will be happy to discuss this with you.

  • Do I have to attend every week?

    Not at all. We understand that ‘ups and downs’ happen. This is ok. We will check in with participants each week via text or phone and people will always be welcome to start attending sessions again when they are ready.

  • Can I bring a friend or carer or support worker?

    Yes! Please bring whoever will make you feel most comfortable.

  • What if I am anxious?

    It is totally normal to be anxious before starting something new. We are happy to chat with you on the phone every week to help you build up the confidence to attend.

  • Do you still run sessions in bad weather?

    Yes! We will run sessions in all weathers unless it is deemed unsafe.

  • What are the sessions like?

    The sessions start or end with Lunch, this is free and included in the offer. We also begin with a peer-support check-in, where people can share how they are feeling if they would like. Then we do a gardening or craft activity that is different every week and explores a different way to connect with nature. We finish with a meditation.

  • I want to try it out before I sign-up. Is this OK?

    We understand that it is quite nerve-wracking attending a new group. We ask people to sign up so that we can ensure we support everyone in the best and safest way possible. However, feel free to email roots@yourpark.org.uk or call us on 07510659215 and we will be happy to discuss this with you.

  • Is this evidence based?

    Yes, our group follows the evidenced-based five pathways to nature connectedness. Please visit the University of Derby Website to find out more.

  • Do I have to be a gardener?

    Not at all! Our group is for anyone who is feeling low, isolated or lonely and would like to find more connection.

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Sign up

Sign up to attend Roots to Wellbeing now.

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*Tyrväinen, L., Ojala, A., Korpela, K., Lanki, T., Tsunetsugu, Y., & Kagawa, T. (2014).

**Miles (2020) Beyond knowing nature – 5 pathways to nature connection, Finding Nature. Available at: https://findingnature.org.uk/2... (Accessed: 12 October 2023).