Green Care: A Conceptual Framework - Frisk i naturen

1 Why does ‘green care’ matter?
Our value base and position statement
This document seeks to provide a conceptual framework for green care.
In tackling such a task it is important that we, the authors, clearly state
our view of the importance of nature to human health and its potential in a
therapeutic context. We have therefore summarised our position as follows:
VALUE BASE
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Contact with nature is important to human beings.
The importance of this is often overlooked in modern living conditions.
People can find solace from being in natural places, being in contact
with nature and from looking after plants and animals.
In addition to this solace, contact with nature has positive effects on
well-being, with physical, psychological and spiritual benefits.
Existing or new therapeutic programmes could be improved by
incorporating these ‘green’ elements.
The planning, commissioning and delivery of all health services would
be enhanced by consideration of potential ‘green’ factors.
POSITION STATEMENT
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“Green care” is a useful phrase summarising a wide range of both selfhelp
and therapy programmes.
Research to date has demonstrated correlations of well-being in green
care settings.
■■ Research that would demonstrate cause-and-effect relationships
between green care interventions and improvements in health and wellbeing
has not yet been carried out.
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The present document and process is a way forward in attempting to
understand the therapeutic potential of green care.
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