Green Social Prescribing Practitioner Guidance, June 2026

Green social prescribing requires careful matching of the individual beneficiary to a specific nature-based intervention (NBI). New guidance published in June recommends how and what information should be shared to help

• social prescribers identify the best NBI for an individual, and

• practitioners deliver NBIs safely and effectively to the people who will benefit most from a particular intervention.

Created by Thrive in partnership with The National Academy for Social Prescribing (NASP) and the cross-Government Green Social Prescribing programme, these guidelines are aimed at organisations that support people with mental health difficulties.

Providing clear information about the NBI helps social prescribers understand the activity offered and hence who is likely to benefit from participation. Information about the NBI should include how to reach the site, access on site, levels of supervision for the activity and the provider’s experience of working with different health conditions. Similarly, practitioners require specific information about the potential participant to ensure they can provide appropriate support. This includes details about health conditions and social or behavioural factors, as well as any risks to safe participation. Providing participants with detailed information about the NBI in advance – such as in a welcome pack – can help participants know what to expect and understand how they will be supported.

The GSP practitioner guidance also makes recommendations for other aspects of providing NBIs, including assessments and practices during participation in the NBI programme, preparing participants for leaving the programme, safeguarding and supervision of practitioners.

For more details see here to read the full guidance