Bridging Nature and Urban Life: Pioneering Green Social Prescribing through Digital Innovation

At Grassroots City, the commitment to creating innovative solutions that bridge the gap between urban environments and nature is at the heart of the work. One recent project embodying this mission, was developed during a three-month cooperative accelerator program with Cooperatives UK, funded by the National Park City movement. This initiative aimed to explore the viability of creating a platform cooperative to support Green Social Prescribing (GSP) throughout London.

The primary objective was to explore the potential of a digital platform cooperative to streamline the GSP process, particularly within health settings. This initiative was designed to support link workers and enhance mental health support through nature-based activities while simultaneously fostering local nature recovery and community projects.

The goal was twofold: first, to improve mental health support by making GSP more accessible and efficient, and second, to establish a robust pipeline of volunteers for grassroots initiatives. The envisioned platform aimed to provide a cohesive and user-friendly digital space where GSP providers, healthcare professionals, and community members could collaborate and share resources effectively.

The approach began with a thorough investigation into the multistakeholder cooperative model. This research phase was crucial in understanding the diverse needs and perspectives of potential users and stakeholders. From there, the concept was developed into a working prototype. This initial version of the platform was designed to facilitate seamless communication and coordination among all parties involved in GSP.

There was an opportunity to present the prototype at a significant event. The reception was overwhelmingly positive, and third place was secured along with a £2,000 reward for further development. This achievement provided the momentum needed to push the project forward.

With the support of the National Park City movement, the platform idea was pitched to Natural England, who recognised its potential. This collaboration resulted in the creation of the first online community of GSP providers. To celebrate and promote this initiative, the inaugural Happier Outdoors Festival was organised and hosted—a month-long event dedicated to raising awareness and engagement in green social prescribing.

The project culminated in the successful development of a prototype for the platform cooperative model. This initial success garnered significant interest and a monetary reward, validating the innovative approach. Natural England's endorsement of the platform idea led to the establishment of an online community for GSP providers, facilitating greater collaboration and resource sharing.

The Happier Outdoors Festival was a landmark event, celebrating the benefits of green social prescribing and engaging the community in meaningful ways. While Natural England is still considering the cooperative model for long-term implementation, the project has already demonstrated the transformative potential of digital solutions in promoting urban sustainability and mental health.

This project exemplifies GRC’s ability to plan and execute initiatives that not only address current environmental challenges but also foster community engagement and mental well-being. It showcases GRC's commitment to leveraging technology and cooperative models to create sustainable urban environments where people and nature can thrive together. This case study stands as a testament to the innovative approach and dedication to making a tangible impact on urban sustainability and climate resilience.