The Sow the City Nature for Health service aims to tackle and prevent mental ill health by providing Social and Therapeutic Horticulture on prescription for Manchester residents. The service is 
funded by NHS England as part of a national pilot and is delivered in partnership with community gardens across the city. Social and Therapeutic horticulture is the process of using plants and gardens to improve physical and mental health, as well as communication and thinking skills.
The service is available for residents of Manchester, targeting those people most disproportionately impacted by Covid-19 with a focus on mental health and who are registered with a GP. The eligibility criteria are: People with emotional and mental health needs for example loneliness, worry and low mood, as well as those with diagnosed mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety and severe and enduring mental health conditions.
Find out when and where sessions are taking place in the attachment below.
How can I refer someone to the service?
Sow the City accept self-referrals or referrals from health professionals (GPs, community mental health teams), social care teams, supported accommodation providers and other mental health support workers. The service is available for Manchester residents. It aims to support people with emotional and mental health needs for example loneliness, worry and low mood, as well as those with diagnosed mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety and severe and enduring mental health conditions.
To refer someone to the service complete the online referral form Sow the City will review the referral for eligibility and contact the participant directly to provide support and arrange suitable sessions to attend.
For more information about making referrals contact Laura Weaver on 0161 465 6954 or email: [email protected]