In our latest Health and Wellbeing spotlight, VONNE Silver Membership plus member Groundwork NE and Cumbria shares its approach to building stronger links with social prescribing across several locations in Northumberland. The Cultivate Northumberland partnership brings together a network of grassroots organisations managing green spaces and allotments, all united by a shared goal: improving health, wellbeing, and environmental outcomes. Groundwork acknowledges the specific challenges facing individuals in rural communities and outlines the flexible and responsive approach they’ve taken to ensure greater access to green spaces to improve people’s health and wellbeing.
Groundwork was founded in the North of England to help communities adapt, collaborate, and thrive through change. That founding spirit of enterprise and innovation remains as relevant today as ever. Across every community—no matter the level of disadvantage—there are deep reserves of pride, creativity, and determination. People care about where they live and want to make a difference. Groundwork exists to nurture that potential, unlocking local passion to create stronger, more resilient communities and a healthier environment for all.
With funding from NENC ICB via VONNE, we have been able to build on existing work and strengthen connections to social prescribing. The Cultivate Northumberland partnership brings together a network of grassroots organisations managing green spaces and allotments, all united by a shared goal: improving health, wellbeing, and environmental outcomes. Many of these groups operate in areas facing significant challenges, including limited access to green space, lower levels of physical activity, and poorer health outcomes.
A central aim of this project has been to develop effective referral pathways into community-based activities. By working closely with social prescribers, health networks, and local infrastructure organisations, we are creating stronger connections that help ensure these opportunities reach people who can benefit most.
Learning has been at the heart of this process. We explored how different social prescribing hubs operate and engaged directly with patients to understand both their needs and the barriers they face. From our portfolio of eight community projects, we identified five groups well placed to support new participants and considered how individuals could be encouraged and supported to attend.
Through consultations, several common challenges emerged, including limited access to transport, the cost of travel, a lack of suitable facilities, and low confidence or self-esteem. We also worked closely with community groups and volunteers—through meetings, interviews, and surveys—to better understand their capacity, resources, and the practical realities they face. At the same time, conversations with social prescribers helped us appreciate the diversity of their roles and approaches.
This learning highlighted important opportunities for development. Social prescribing systems vary widely, from hands-on support through link workers to more signposting-based models. We found that confidence is often a key factor in whether individuals engage, and that practical barriers—particularly in rural areas—can significantly limit participation. Seasonal factors, such as winter weather, also influence access to outdoor activities.
In response, we have adopted a flexible and responsive approach. For example, we have introduced indoor taster sessions to help people build confidence before transitioning to outdoor activities. We have allocated funding to help cover transport costs, reducing a key barrier to access. Community groups have received financial support to welcome new participants, including resources for equipment, protective clothing, and refreshments. This has not only enabled participation but also strengthened the groups themselves.
We have also focused on aligning volunteer activity with meaningful outcomes, ensuring that contributions—such as tree planting, hedge laying, or pathway creation—deliver tangible environmental benefits while providing valuable learning experiences for participants.
While significant progress has been made, this work continues to evolve. Strengthening communication between GP surgeries, social prescribers, and community groups will be key to ensuring that individuals are matched with the most suitable opportunities and feel confident about what to expect.
Looking ahead, there is clear potential to build on these foundations. Dedicated link workers could play a vital role in supporting individuals as they take their first steps into community activities, helping to build confidence and overcome practical challenges. Additional investment in transport solutions, such as community minibuses, would further improve accessibility, particularly in rural areas.
Overall, Cultivate Northumberland demonstrates the power of partnership, learning, and community-led action. By continuing to listen, adapt, and invest in people and place, we can create lasting change—supporting individuals to grow in confidence, develop new skills, and contribute to healthier, more connected communities.
For more information about Groundwork NE & Cumbria and the Cultivate Northumberland partnership, email Kate Phillips - kate.phillips@groundwork.org.uk or Joel Barrow - joel.barrow@groundwork.org.uk