This is Haslemere were delighted to have the pleasure of hearing Melissa from Dose of Nature speak earlier this week. We have to admit that this is the first time we had heard about this charity but we were keen to share details with the wider community.

What is Dose of Nature?

The Dose of Nature website shares the following quote from Dr Qing Li, Associate Professor at the Medical School in Tokyo, 'When we are in harmony with the natural world we can begin to heal. Our nervous system can rest itself, our bodies and minds can go back to how they ought to be. No longer out of kilter with nature, but once again in tune with it, we are refreshed and restored.'

This perfectly sums up the rationale behind the charity. Dose of Nature is a psychologically led, evidence-based mental health service whose purpose is to improve mental health through increasing engagement with the natural world. They provide individually tailored nature prescriptions that introduce participants to the mental health benefits of spending time in nature.

Their Surrey hub is based at the National Trust site of Dapdune Wharf in the heart of Guildford. However, they also have a weekly presence every Monday at Farncombe Community Garden as their service currently covers both the Guildford and Waverley boroughs.

They deliver their one-to-one nature prescriptions to people referred by their GP or mental health Care Worker with mild-moderate mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, stress, bereavement, trauma, long covid, isolation and more.

In addition to the one-to-one aspect of their service delivery, they also have a wide and varied outdoor activity group timetable that is available for as long as is needed, once the nature prescription starts.

Offering more opportunities to spend meaningful time outdoors and benefit from the healing power of nature, their timetable now also includes regular groups such as Nature-Based Mindfulness, Art and Crafts, Kayaking, Walking Groups, Yoga, Creative Writing, Tai Chi, Conservation and Forest Bathing.

Their Nature Prescription Programme is a genuine alternative to both medication and more traditional psychological therapies. And their work is backed up by impressive results - their recovery rates have been proved to be much higher than those for other interventions such as CBT. And figures show that GP visits by those actively engaged in the Dose of Nature programme are 70% lower following the 8 weeks.

Through psychoeducation, experiential activities, and motivational support, their aim is to facilitate lifestyle changes that have a significant and lasting impact on mental wellbeing.

For anyone dealing with mental health challenges, either for themselves or a loved one, you will be well aware that most mental health services often come with long waiting lists. However, the good news is that wait times for Dose of Nature are relatively short so clients can expect to meet with psychologists very soon after referral. In fact, because of their recent expansion, it is possible that you may be seen within 1-2 weeks of referral.

How can you receive support from Dose of Nature?

If you are struggling with your mental health, or know of someone who is struggling, please do simply speak to your GP for more information or to request a referral to Dose of Nature.

They will discuss their work with you and advise you whether they feel it could be helpful.

Should you be referred to Dose of Nature for support, you will have an initial assessment with a psychologist before entering into a programme of 8 x 1 hour support sessions with a nature guide. The time may be spent engaging in a variety of activities, including mindfulness, sensory walks, journalling, photography, habit building and nature observation. After the eight weeks you will then meet again with the psychologist and can then join their group activities for as long as you need the support.

How can you get involved with Dose of Nature?

Dose of Nature are expanding rapidly and are actively looking for more volunteers living in Haslemere and the surrounding villages to get involved with the charity. There are no prerequisites to becoming a volunteer. All that is asked for is a love of nature and a desire to help others. If you tick these boxes, then this might be the right opportunity for you. Rest assured, Dose of Nature fully train all of their Nature Guides. And, volunteers will also undergo additional Safeguarding training and are fully DBS checked. 

This is a wonderful opportunity to get involved in an incredibly rewarding volunteering role.

Please do reach out to them for more information. Their contact details can be found on their website.

Or look out for them at various events in the region such as the upcoming Surrey Half Marathon!