Two Shropshire Wildlife Trust employees will be taking on new roles as Green Social Prescribing Officers, providing dedicated support, and adding to the brilliant work already accomplished.  

These new roles will support local groups who deliver activities in nature to become more inclusive and accessible. They will aim to implement a ‘Green Buddy’ in each group, who will welcome new participants who may feel anxious at starting a new activity. They also hope to create a ‘green providers network’, so that groups can support and learn from each other. 

Support will also be offered to groups to apply for a new community fund for improving green and blue spaces and enabling active travel. Shropshire VCS, working with Spacehive, the civic crowdfunding specialists, is delivering this initiative in partnership with the Green Spaces Project. 

Continuing to raise awareness in the health system and with the general public of the benefits of nature connection and active lifestyles will be a thread running through all project activities. 

Jessica Bradbury, Head of Operations for Energize Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, said: 

“We are really excited to be exploring the next phase of Green Social Prescribing in Shropshire, expanding its reach to provide more support to volunteers and community organisations. Our new partnership with Shropshire VCS through their Crowdfund platform will provide much needed investment into Green Spaces across Shropshire, increasing accessibility and awareness of local green activities for people in their communities, with the ambition of reducing pressures on the health system.” 

Helen Trotman, Head of People & Wildlife for Shropshire Wildlife Trust, said: 

“We’re delighted to be able to continue this crucial work in addressing some of the recommendations from the first 2 years of the Green Social Prescribing Partnership.” 

Previously, nine guides showcasing local green spaces in Shropshire were created to encourage people to spend more time outdoors. The guides, containing maps, photos and waymarked trails, provided people with the information they needed to feel confident getting out and experiencing natural environments. These guides can be found here: www.shropshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/local-greenspaces