Green Health Prescribing with Cyrenians: M’s story
“I was accepted as myself”
A Green Health Prescription is a new form of prescription. Alongside other treatments your health professional may prescribe spending time outdoors, in nature.
We wanted to shine a spotlight on a service that uses time spent in nature as way keeping well. We reached out to Cyrenians to hear about the work they and their volunteers do.
M joined the Green Activity Sessions in the summer of 2022. She is a participant all day on a Monday. The morning group is based in the Orchard & Wildflower meadow and focuses on environmental and conservation work, and the afternoon group is based in the Gardens and glasshouses for seasonal gardening and nature-craft / art activities.
M is much valued in the groups for her plant knowledge, and her enthusiasm and patience to teach and help others to learn about plants. She has recently begun caring for the small woodland area, taking pride in planting native wildlife-friendly species.
M shared this about how the gardens have helped her:
“Suffering from PTSD and severe depression, I was referred to the garden by my surgery’s community worker. Unable to work, at that time, I was homeless and withdrawn. Cognitive issues make it very difficult for me to speak. Despite this dark picture, I felt welcome in the garden, and for the first time in months, I wasn’t the patient, the homeless or this weird one who couldn’t speak properly.
I was accepted as myself with all my struggles, faults and qualities.
The staff and volunteers stressed my qualities and helped me gain some confidence. Last September, I started activities in the broader society, and the garden is still an anchor where I can find someone to talk to and have a good time.”
January 2025
Find out more about Cyrenians and the support they offer.
Do you live and/or work in Midlothian and want to share your own experiences of mental health and wellbeing and the different ways keep you well? If you would like us to share your story, please email midspace@health-in-mind.org.uk.