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Allotments instead of antidepressants? Social prescribing is a new way of thinking in the battle against poor mental health, and NHS bosses in Wales want GPs to offer it to more patients as an alternative to medication.

Social prescribing, according to Public Health Wales, connects patients to their local community to bring about health benefits – both physical and mental.

In Caerphilly County Borough, and across the wider Gwent area, there is now a push to raise awareness of it and to crucially get doctors using it.

Representatives from Aneurin Bevan University Health Board (ABUHB), Natural Resources Wales (NRW), Gwent Green Grid (GGG), Caerphilly County Borough Council, and a host of community groups, met to discuss the future of health and wellbeing.

At an event held at Bargoed Community Centre, a series of videos were launched by the health board, highlighting the benefits of getting outdoors as a form of treatment.

One of the videos was filmed in Van Ward Allotments. Chair at the allotment, Tracey Davies, told Caerphilly Observer how she hopes the scheme will “change the way we deal with mental health”.

Ms Davies, who also works for mental health charity Platfform, continued: “Not everyone is built for counselling. This project is about not only giving people a place to go, but also a place to be.

“What’s better for your mental health than getting out in nature, growing and eating your own food? The benefits are endless.”

Across their two sites on Castle Park in Caerphilly, Van Allotments has received 18 raised flower beds from Keep Wales Tidy, and hopes to start welcoming referrals soon.

Ms Davies added: “This gives people real purpose. There are so many lonely people out there who can find themselves again through nature.”

David Llewelyn, ABUHB’s lead on wellbeing, presented the video at a meeting on Tuesday February 27, and spoke about the importance of getting doctors on board.

He said: “We really want to engage with GPs and get them recognising this method of treatment as a first option for those struggling with issues such as depression, anxiety, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

“We’re going to play these videos throughout doctor surgeries in the hopes more people self-refer to allotments, walking groups etc.

“As a health board, we spend around £1.4 billion a year. I think it’s time to change the model of money in the health service, and start from the ground up, supporting local projects and groups who can help outdoors.”

Mr Llewelyn used Bargoed’s Taraggan Garden as an example of how this scheme can be successful. The community-based project supports children and the elderly who experience poor mental health or have physical disabilities.

Partners such as GGG and Gwent Wildlife Trust spoke about the need for this service, and discussed the work they’ve already been doing with people across Gwent.

Ian Thomas from the Wildlife Trust said: “We’ve ran over 500 sessions across Gwent in the last two years, getting people involved in projects that help restore the natural beauty of the area.

“We also host educational sessions, and work with community groups from all over, such as the Rhymney Strollers for example.

“It’s about getting people out there and engaged with nature at the end of the day. We hope once they realise how enjoyable it is, they can take those skills away to apply by themselves.”

Helen Fairbank and Dez Jones spoke on behalf of GGG, who run green infrastructure projects across Gwent, working with schools to start engagement at a young age.

They’re also the group behind ‘Pollinator Friendly Gwent’, better known as No Mow May in Caerphilly.

Mr Jones said: “There is money there to help community groups and projects get off the ground. We’ve helped fund 35 across Gwent and have 12 in Caerphilly alone.

“We’ll also help pay for events such as nature walks, and can also provide advice and training for those start-up wellbeing groups who need support.”

Mr Bryant added that he and GGG are working on an interactive map to tell people seeking support groups where to look and who to contact.

One example of a group looking to help people both mentally and physically is Caerphilly Nordic Walks.

Ed Wooley leads the walks, which are similar to a normal walk but with poles to help you along. He told Caerphilly Observer how through the walks, he has significantly reduced the back pain he used to experience.

Ed continued: “We walk all over the Blackwood area, and despite losing a fair few members during Covid, we’re building back steadily and hope to continue growing.

“I think this scheme would absolutely benefit people. You find they get addicted and passionate about it in no time.

“I’ve been doing this for 15 years and as well as it being fantastic exercise, you get to see some incredible views.”