Workshop 2-

What we heard and where we're heading

Workshop 2 – What We Heard and Where We’re Heading

Our second GRoW co-design workshop brought together community members, health professionals, and local organisations to refine the green prescription pathway. The discussions were lively, heartfelt, and full of practical ideas. Our table hosts have been reviewing summaries of over 14 hours of discussions over the last month.

Here’s a snapshot of the key themes that are emerging and next steps.

Culture & Inclusion

From the first contact, the activities should feel welcoming, safe, and respectful for everyone whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-time local.

Use inclusive, everyday language (e.g. “invitation” instead of “prescription”).
Create spaces where people can “show up as they are,” regardless of background, ability, or life stage.

Communication & Feedback Loops

Feedback is about relationships not forms.

Offer safe, informal ways to share thoughts, from casual check-ins to story walls.
Keep referrers in the loop when participants consent, without overloading anyone with updates.
Use multiple channels — not everyone uses email. Posters, SMS, and local radio matter too.
“Even if you get consent at the start, it’s about following through in a way that’s not intrusive.”

Partnerships with Community Organisations

GRoW works best when it builds on what’s already happening locally.

Partner with existing organisations to share knowledge, space, and referrals.
Avoid duplication — help groups do what they already do, even better.
Develop shared tools like directories and calendars so everyone knows what’s on and where.
“Start with what’s already working… not raising over the top of it.”

Referrals that Feel Human

A referral should feel like a warm welcome, not a bureaucratic transaction.

Keep the language non-clinical and inviting.
Allow for flexible entry points — GP, community group, neighbour, or self-referral.
Make the first visit low-pressure — a chance to “dip your toes in.”
“Warm referral — I know a person, I can ring a person, done.”

Link Workers – The Connectors

The link worker is the bridge between health, community, and the garden gate.

Ground the role in local knowledge and trust.
Focus on warm handovers, buddy systems, and making sure people land in the right place for them.
Recognise that in some places, this function already exists — GRoW can support rather than replace.
“They’re like the conduits to it all… seamless… a spider’s web really.”

Volunteers – Cultural Anchors

Volunteers are the heartbeat of GRoW.

Welcome and buddy newcomers: reduce “first-time” anxiety.
Model the inclusive, relaxed, non-judgemental vibe.
Offer meaningful, non-patronising training to volunteers (e.g. mental health first aid, cultural safety, garden tasks), without losing the joy of volunteering.
Build structured support and recognition systems
“Offering volunteers training… something meaningful, not just tokenistic.”

What’s Next

Grow Local Champions (Volunteer Training) – In direct response to Workshop 1 & 2 feedback, we’re launching short, practical training to grow more local champions. The aim is to strengthen community action by equipping volunteers with confidence, gentle buddying skills, and cultural-safety know-how, so more neighbours can welcome more neighbours.
Try Light-Touch Feedback – We’ll pilot simple, opt-in feedback tools such as story cards, check-ins, and celebration circles that help us learn without over-surveying.
Make Referrals Warmer – We’ll test warm handovers, clearer invitation language, and flexible entry points (including self-referral).
Share What’s On – We’ll support development of a mini directory or calendar so partners and referrers can see activities and capacity at a glance.

These steps keep GRoW practical, local, and people-first — shaped by what our community told us matters most.

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