About us

Green Health Thames Valley was set up by a small group of people in Reading, including a local Whitley-based GP, who recognised that prescribing medication alone was not the solution for many people with mental health difficulties. He was frustrated at the lack of services for his patients and the project evolved from the understanding that recovery from mental illness is a complex process requiring local, community-based support and qualified, committed people to accompany those affected on the journey and to reduce social isolation.

We currently have a community garden in Whitley where our small staff team, made up of our Therapeutic Horticulture Lead, Project Support Officer and a team of volunteers ensure clients receive all the support they need.

Our clients are helped to manage their mental health condition, gain new transferable skills, improve social inclusion and gain confidence.

We accept referrals from GPs, Prospect Park hospital, the Social Prescribing team and the Mental Health Integrated Care Team and welcome support from local companies and other organisations.

“The effects of nature’s qualities on health are not only spiritual and emotional but physical and neurological. I have no doubt that they reflect deep changes in the brain’s physiology, and perhaps even its structure”.

Oliver Sacks, British neurologist, naturalist, historian of science, and writer.