Utilising our parks and green spaces for Green Social Prescribing sessions is set to grow in popularity as it becomes an integral part of the UK’s health and care strategy. For Friends of parks and greenspace community groups, the GSP programme could provide an opportunity for funding and allow a wider variety of local people to discover the volunteer work, events and activities that take place at your site.
Events & Activities
Effective greenspace programmes for mental health
Mental health issues affect 1 in 4 people and social prescribing is becoming more common. Download a free guide “Greenspaces for Mental Health” to assist with delivery of programmes
Highlights from the final Parks Community UK ‘Rethinking Parks’ workshop
At the end of 2020 we held our final sign-off event with all the Friends and volunteer groups who worked with us on the NESTA Rethinking Parks project. Read a summary of findings and links to the presentations and slides are included.
5 March 2021
Improve relationships with user groups who share your green space
Friends groups aim to protect, promote and improve their public green space, but there are also other specific user groups (community ’stakeholders’) who use the site. Their views also matter. Learn how to engage and work effectively together.
Events in London’s Parks: The Friends’ perspective
A new report with extensive contributions from London Friends of Parks groups has been released, looking at the increasing use of London’s Parks and green spaces for events. The report has an introduction by Dave Morris chair of the National Federation of Parks and Greenspaces.
July 14 2020
Festivals and events in our parks; a money generator but is it a step too far?
Events taking place in open green spaces generate useful money for Councils, but local communities can be significantly disadvantaged. Research as park of the Festspace project looks into this contentious issue.
2 July 2020
Fundraising Guide For Community Groups
A fantastic well-researched guide with links to help any Friends groups apply for grants or funding. Written by Groundwork UK and shared with permission on the Park Community UK website.
How to promote your group and park: a helpful guide from the London Friends of Green Spaces network.
Here are some methods Friends groups are using to promote themselves and their parks, based on a recent discussion held by London Friends of Green Spaces Network.
Making our groups stronger and more diverse
What does a strong and diverse Friends group look like and why is it important?
Recruiting and Managing Volunteers
Traditional routes to volunteering are changing and groups are competing for volunteers. Those who donate time want to know it is well spent, that work is well organised and their contribution is valued. It is important volunteers are clear about their roles and the support they can expect from a group.
