Greenspace programmes for mental health

Citation

Masterton W (2024) Greenspace programmes for mental health. In: Boyd CP, Boyle LE, Bell SL, Hogstrom E, Evans J, Paul A & Foley R (eds.) Routledge Handbook on Spaces of Mental Health and Wellbeing. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003345725

Abstract
The link between greenspace and human health is well established. This chapter discusses how engagement with greenspace appears to be particularly beneficial in reducing health inequalities among different population groups. In particular, people with poor mental health and people with co-occurring mental health conditions and problem substance use may benefit from these types of novel interventions which benefit people in ways that traditional treatment approaches do not. However, there has been limited research into how and why greenspace programmes might be successful for these population groups. This makes future development and implementation very difficult. This chapter provides insight into novel research which has sought to provide an intervention framework for greenspace programmes for people with poor mental health and problem substance use, as well as the policy and practice implications that this research may have.