Nature boost for mental wellbeing explored

WREXHAM GlyndŴr University (WGU) has secured more than £400,000 in funding to lead a project to investigate how naturebased interventions for students can help to improve their wellbeing and feel more connected to the local community and its environment.

Working with the Wales School for Social Prescribing Research (WSSPR) based at the University of South Wales, the research findings from the project will aim to uncover “what matters now” to students and how universities can get the most out of their green spaces.

The work follows research completed in 2020, where WGU was a pilot university that looked at transforming access to wellbeing support for students.

Lynda Powell, executive director of operations at WGU and Naturebased Social Prescribing Project Lead, said: “This new research project aims to find out how universities can make the most out of their green spaces to improve mental wellbeing outcomes and social connectedness.

“Through the development of green social prescribing practices, knowledge and skills, the project will deliver a framework for other higher education institutions in Wales.”

Funding for the project was awarded by Higher Education Funding Council for Wales (HEFCW), as part of its Strategic Investment Fund.

The project involves staff from the university working with local organisations such as Natural Resources Wales, Coleg Cambria, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Flintshire Local Voluntary Council (FLVC), Groundwork North Wales and Wrexham County Borough Council.

The project is in response to the Welsh Government’s Renew and Reform education Covid recovery plan for community engagement and will finish later this year.