Dose of Nature

We are looking for empathetic, compassionate individuals with a love of the outdoors to train as Dose of Nature Guides to help deliver our Dose of Nature Prescriptions across the North Guildford area. You do not need any specific knowledge or experience to be a Dose of Nature volunteer, just an enthusiasm for working with people and spending time in nature.

What does the role involve?  

As a Dose of Nature Guide your role is to increase an individual’s engagement and connection with nature. After completing a comprehensive training course, you will be matched with a client who you will accompany on weekly nature visits, for around an hour, for a period of ten weeks. You will meet in a natural space that is local to them. You’ll explain the benefits to health and wellbeing of spending more time in nature and demonstrate activities that encourage mindful engagement with natural surroundings. You will remain in contact with the client throughout their nature prescription, monitoring, encouraging and motivating where necessary. We ask our Guides to support two or three clients at a time. You will be working with adults experiencing mental health challenges who’ve been referred to our service by their GP.

Time commitment: Half a day per week throughout the year.

What training is provided?

You will be invited to attend a two-day training where you will learn a whole host of information including: the science behind why nature is good for mental health, activities that increase engagement and connection with nature, and the role of a Dose of Nature Guide. Once you become a Guide, you are provided with ongoing support via monthly group supervision sessions led by our psychologists.

What are the benefits for me?

Our Guides are central to the success of our Dose of Nature Prescription Programme and the time you give as a Dose of Nature Guide really does matter.

1. You’ll join a close-knit community of like-minded individuals who enjoy supporting others.

2. You’ll have the opportunity to attend monthly training sessions to continue to build your skills

   as a Dose of Nature Guide.

3. You’ll benefit from an improvement in your own mental health and wellbeing from regular nature visits

   and the rewarding experiencing of volunteering.

Dose of Nature is a mental health charity whose purpose is to improve the mental health and wellbeing of individuals through increased engagement with the natural world. Our work is rooted in a wealth of scientific evidence that demonstrates the physiological and psychological benefits of spending time in nature.

We deliver ‘nature prescriptions’ to people referred by their GP with a wide range of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, stress, bereavement, trauma, and addiction. Through a combination of education, first-hand experience, and practical and motivational support, we encourage a greater connection with nature, and inspire lifestyle changes that have a significant and lasting impact on mental wellbeing. Our model is a positive, hopeful and outward-looking approach to mental health.