Written Question
Monday 28th April 2025
Asked by:
Wera Hobhouse (Liberal Democrat - Bath)
Question
to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether consideration has been given to the importance of (a) gardening and (b) nature-based therapies in improving (i) physical, (ii) social and (iii) mental health in the development of a neighbourhood health service.
Answered by Stephen Kinnock
- Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
We are committed to moving towards a Neighbourhood Heath Service, with more care delivered in local communities to spot problems earlier, supporting people to stay healthier and maintain their independence for longer. There will be a focus on shifting the way services are delivered to put the needs of people and places at the heart of the health and care system.
We recognise the value of social prescribing for addressing the wider determinants of health that can impact on an individual’s wellbeing. Green social prescribing is the practice of supporting people to engage in nature-based interventions and activities, and can include gardening and nature-based therapies. We know that it can help people from a range of backgrounds to connect with nature to improve their physical, social, and mental health. We remain committed to the development of social prescribing through our ambition to focus on a preventative approach to health inequalities and to deliver support closer to home, in our communities.
The full vision for the health care system will be set out in 10-Year Health Plan. However, Neighbourhood Health Guidelines were published alongside the 2025/26 NHS Operational Planning Guidance and the 2025/26 Better Care Fund policy framework, to help integrated care boards, local authorities, and health and care providers to continue to progress neighbourhood health in 2025/26.
Division Vote (Commons)
24 Apr 2025 - Bank Resolution (Recapitalisation) Bill [Lords] -
View Vote Context
Wera Hobhouse (LD) voted Aye
- in line with the party majority
and against the House
One of
19 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs
0 Liberal Democrat No votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 89 Noes - 230
Division Vote (Commons)
24 Apr 2025 - Bank Resolution (Recapitalisation) Bill [Lords] -
View Vote Context
Wera Hobhouse (LD) voted Aye
- in line with the party majority
and against the House
One of
18 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs
0 Liberal Democrat No votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 88 Noes - 212
Division Vote (Commons)
23 Apr 2025 - Sewage -
View Vote Context
Wera Hobhouse (LD) voted No
- in line with the party majority
and against the House
One of
61 Liberal Democrat No votes vs
0 Liberal Democrat Aye votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 301 Noes - 69
Division Vote (Commons)
23 Apr 2025 - Sewage -
View Vote Context
Wera Hobhouse (LD) voted Aye
- in line with the party majority
and against the House
One of
64 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs
0 Liberal Democrat No votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 77 Noes - 302
Division Vote (Commons)
23 Apr 2025 - Hospitals -
View Vote Context
Wera Hobhouse (LD) voted Aye
- in line with the party majority
and against the House
One of
65 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs
0 Liberal Democrat No votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 77 Noes - 307
Speech in Westminster Hall - Tue 22 Apr 2025
Retail Investment
Speech Link
View all Wera Hobhouse (LD - Bath) contributions to the debate on: Retail Investment
Speech in Westminster Hall - Tue 22 Apr 2025
Point of Order
Speech Link
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Speech in Westminster Hall - Tue 22 Apr 2025
Road Safety and Active Travel to School
Speech Link
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Speech in Westminster Hall - Tue 22 Apr 2025
Road Safety and Active Travel to School
Speech Link
View all Wera Hobhouse (LD - Bath) contributions to the debate on: Road Safety and Active Travel to School