Expanded nature and health programme will focus on Bridlington
HEY Smile Foundation has secured funding from The National Lottery Community Fund to deliver the next phase of its Growing Green and Blue Health programme which will focus on Bridlington, Withernsea and Goole.
The scheme helps people improve their health and wellbeing through practical environmental action and connection with nature.
Building on earlier work across 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.
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 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.”