Promoting Health Through Social Prescribing: A Community-Based ‘Grow Your Own’ Initiative in Urban and Rural Northern Ireland

Purpose
Social prescribing aims to improve health and wellbeing by connecting individuals with non-medical supports in their communities, helping people build confidence, reduce isolation, and effectively manage their health. This study explores whether a social prescribing service, combined with a community-based ‘Grow Your Own’ gardening initiative, can improve physical and mental wellbeing among individuals in both urban and rural areas of the Derry-Strabane district. The Integrated Care System NI (2024) vision is to improve health and wellbeing outcomes and reduce health inequalities, through collaboration and partnership in the design, delivery and management of health, social and community services. In line with the conference theme ‘Transforming care through collaboration’ the study also aims to demonstrate how university engagement in local community initiatives can help drive healthcare innovation forward. It evaluates how integrated community-academic partnerships can promote self-management, enhancing public wellbeing through tailored, locally delivered interventions. This collaborative approach offers a potential model for future Allied Health Professional (AHP) practice.

Methods
A mixed methods design is being implemented across two distinct settings: Castlederg (rural) and Strabane (urban). Participants can be referred via health professionals or through self-referral. The programme includes horticulture and food sustainability, with participants receiving a take-home Grow Your Own kit upon completion.

Quantitative data is collected at three time points (baseline, post-programme, and six-month follow-up) using validated wellbeing tools: the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale, the Self-Determination Scale, and the Outcomes Wellbeing Star. Economic impact will be assessed by comparing GP and Emergency Department usage in the six months before and after the programme.
Qualitative data is gathered through focus groups using thematic analysis. The study is underpinned by Self-Determination Theory, focusing on autonomy, competence, and relatedness as mechanisms for enhancing wellbeing.

Results
The project is currently in its data collection phase, with an anticipated sample size of 80–90 participants. Early engagement suggests strong community interest and early indicators of positive impact on physical and mental wellbeing and lifestyle behaviours. Initial qualitative themes include enhanced social connection, increased motivation, skill development, and personal growth, particularly among individuals in socially isolated or deprived areas. Leadership from the community organisation has been central to building trust and engagement, while the community hub has provided a potential access point for AHP and broader health referrals. This local, community-based structure has proven essential in improving accessibility. Embedding a Social Prescriber within a trusted local charity appears to enhance engagement and continuity of service.

Conclusions
Preliminary findings support the role of community-based, nature-connected interventions in improving wellbeing and potentially reducing reliance on statutory health services. Participants report improved mood, reduced loneliness, and a greater sense of independence in managing their health.

Impact
This initiative illustrates how collaboration between academic and community organisations can create solutions to address local health issues and inequalities. The comparison of urban and rural delivery models may inform future social prescribing strategies across AHP and Nursing contexts. If effective, this model could be implemented regionally to improve population health while reducing pressure on health services.

Ethical Approval
Ethical approval has been granted by the Ulster University Research Governance Filter Committee (Institute of Nursing and Health Research).

Funding
This study is funded by The Ideas Fund (British Science Association and Wellcome Trust).