HEY Smile Foundation secures almost £500k for nature and health programme
MAKING A DIFFERENCE: The Growing Green and Blue Health programme in action
By Rick Lyon, Co-Editor
HEY Smile Foundation has secured funding from the National Lottery Community Fund of almost £500,000 to deliver the next phase of its Growing Green and Blue Health programme, helping people improve health and wellbeing through practical environmental action and connection with nature.
The programme will expand support across the East Riding, thanks to the funding of £499,512, focusing on communities experiencing the greatest health inequalities. Focus areas include Bridlington, Withernsea and Goole.
Building on earlier work across the Humber and North Yorkshire, the new phase will take a more localised approach, working with voluntary and community organisations, nature-based partners and healthcare providers to reach those facing the biggest barriers to accessing green and blue spaces. Activities will give people an opportunity to make a real contribution to their environment and promote nature conservation.
The initiative is designed to support and empower people most affected by poverty, poor health and exclusion, including those living in deprived communities, unpaid carers and people from ethnic minority backgrounds.
Anthony Hurd, programme manager at HEY Smile Foundation, said: “We are delighted to secure further funding for this programme.
“Growing Green and Blue Health responds to growing evidence that time spent in nature can improve mental wellbeing, reduce stress and support healthier lives. However, not everyone has equal access to these benefits.
“This programme aims to change that by making opportunities more accessible to people who may not feel confident, welcome or able to take part, particularly in areas where the need is greatest.
“By breaking down barriers and building participants’ connection to nature, we will also support them to develop the skills, confidence and knowledge to take practical environmental action - such as caring for local spaces, influencing local decisions and leading community initiatives. As a result, we expect to see improvements in health and wellbeing, alongside stronger stewardship of local environments and more empowered communities actively protecting them.”
Community involvement will be central to delivery, with local people helping to shape and deliver the programme, alongside the recruitment and upskilling of community champions who will support participation and encourage peer support.
Participants will be offered structured 12-week activities designed to be practical and low-barrier, including opportunities such as food growing, conservation work and local environmental projects. These activities aim to improve wellbeing while strengthening connections between people and the places they live.
The programme will also continue to strengthen collaboration between health services, the voluntary sector and community organisations, creating more inclusive and preventative pathways into support.
Carole Pickburn, head of service at HEY Smile Foundation, said: “This initiative shows how people can be empowered to contribute positively to their environment whilst improving their wellbeing.
“Health and social services, voluntary organisations and communities can work together to focus on prevention to protect both the environment and their own wellbeing.
“Nature-based support can play an important role in improving wellbeing, reducing isolation and helping people take positive steps for their health.”
HEY Smile Foundation is recruiting for a number of roles to deliver this next phase, offering a chance to be part of meaningful work that supports communities and the environment.