Green Space and Health
Course outline
This course offers an overview of the ways in which human health is inextricably linked to the health of the natural environment. This complex set of relationships is sometimes referred to as ‘planetary health’ and is increasingly recognised as a critical perspective in health creation. We summarise the international evidence base demonstrating the benefits of green space for physical and mental health and wellbeing, and describe how these benefits (and the impacts of environmental degradation) are unequally divided across our communities, exacerbating health inequalities. Access to green space is recognised as one of the determinants of health and ‘green’ prescriptions are increasingly being used by healthcare professionals to deliver health benefits for patients. This course explores the implications for healthcare and the design of clinical settings. Using real world examples we illustrate how you can integrate this approach into your own practice and maximise the potential of green space on your site.
We also consider the leadership role healthcare staff (at any level) can play in providing healthcare for all within planetary boundaries. As healthcare professionals we cannot stand on the sidelines; we have a duty of care to our patients, communities, and the natural world which is our life support system. There are many important ways to make a difference and this course is a starting point.
How will this help my organisation?
CSH courses are not just about increasing knowledge and skills in sustainable healthcare. They are unique in supporting participants to plan and implement a real-world sustainability project in their workplace, with ongoing mentoring provided through our sustainable healthcare Cafes. Training a group of key staff maximises the outcomes and impact from your investment, by creating a cohort of empowered individuals who can support each other to be catalysts for change across your organisation. Staff trained through CSH will make a practical and direct contribution to delivery of your sustainability, green or decarbonisation plan.
Learning objectives
By the end of the course you will be able to:
- Understand the complex relationship between human health and the health of the natural world.
- Summarise the evidence for the health benefits of engaging with green space.
- Describe the principles of nature-based interventions and nature connectedness.
- Understand how this knowledge can be applied to promote health and healing in the community and healthcare settings.
- Plan your own ‘green space for health’ initiative.
Course structure
This course is delivered in three parts:
Part I. Self-study online
Interactive online materials covering all course content, illustrated with case studies, presented in bite-sized modules. The course is flexible to your interests and available time; a condensed version can be completed in under 2 hours using the module summary pages; the full course contains around 8 hours of more in depth study. A discussion forum allows you to reflect on your learning and share thoughts and ideas with fellow learners. A short video on the home page outlines how to navigate the learning platform and obtain your certificate of completion. The learning materials are available to you from the point of booking and for 6 months after your workshop date. You can see a table of contents for the self study materials here.
Part 2. Live workshop online
The 4 hour virtual workshop consolidates your understanding of the course materials and then focuses on helping you develop ideas for a sustainability project in your setting; translating your learning into action through small group discussions with CSH experts and colleagues from around the world using the range of resources and tools. A separate certificate of completion is provided for the workshop.
Part 3. Mentoring
After completing the workshop you are invited to attend our online Sustainable Healthcare Cafés, a friendly, informal setting in which to:
- Reconnect with peers passionate about sustainability
- Get ongoing support for sustainability projects from peers and CSH staff.
The 1 hour cafes occur regularly throughout the year. You are welcome to attend the cafes as many times as you wish. Upcoming dates will be emailed to you after the workshop. You can also receive ongoing peer support by joining one of our Networks.
How much does block booking this course cost?
Sustainable Healthcare courses including SusQI block booking prices
Technical courses block booking prices
Commissioned courses and closed workshops
We can provide an exclusive course for your organisation with a closed workshop to train your staff together, facilitating network building across your organisation. These courses can be tailored to address your specific learning requirements and local issues.
If you have any questions at all or require any more information, please contact our dedicated education team.