This blog post is based on a podcast interview by ‘We All Need Nature,’ the Green Social Prescribing podcast produced by me, Neil Hickson.
For Burscough Community Farm, the canal has been an inconvenience in the past. The water in the Rufford Branch of the Leeds to Liverpool Canal is around five to six feet higher than the farmland. The canal has made its way into the field and put the farm under a few inches of water several times over the last ten years. But, my chat with Vicki Birch of the Canals and Rivers Trust gave me a new perspective and could lead to the farm seeing the canal as an asset.
Exploring Blue Social Prescribing: A Conversation with Vicki Birch
I know about Green social prescribing, that’s an easy concept for me to get my head around, but I was a bit surprised when the colour of my favourite remedy for feeling better changed colour to blue. Yes, Blue Social Prescribing is basically the same as Green, making your world feel a better place by engaging with nature, only you introduce the element of water into the equation.
Vicki Birch’s journey into blue social prescribing began unexpectedly. Little did she know, joining a canoe club would lead her into a world of transformative experiences and a career focused on improving well-being through water-based activities.
Embracing the Canals: A New Perspective
As Vicki and I sat down for a chat after a day of volunteering at Burscough Community Farm, Vicki shared the story of her role at The Canals and Rivers Trust where she is the ‘Participation, Health, and Well-being Project Manager.’ Her job involves supporting project coordinators to deliver participatory campaigns that engage communities with their waterways.
At first glance, activities like knitting might seem disconnected from canals, but Vicki’s approach is all about creativity and inclusivity. Knitting sessions, along with other crafts, serve as a way to engage older residents and the local community, adding unique touches to events and even refurbishing old structures like gazebos.
From Personal Transformation to Career Evolution
Vicki’s journey into blue social prescribing began when she stumbled upon a canoe club sign during a challenging time in her family’s life. Overcoming her initial fears, she found solace and joy on the water, eventually becoming an instructor and introducing others, including her son, to the therapeutic benefits of paddling.
Through her personal experiences and academic pursuits in social and health psychology, Vicki found her calling at the Canals and River Trust. Her role allows her to bridge the gap between clinical models and nature-based interventions, helping individuals and communities thrive.
Empowering Communities through Waterways
One of the key aspects of Vicki’s work is empowering communities to connect with their local waterways. By partnering with organisations like Burscough Community Farm, the Canals and River Trust extends its reach and enriches lives through activities like walking, paddling, and cycling.
Vicki emphasises the importance of understanding each community’s unique needs and interests, tailoring programs to suit them. By offering a variety of activities and engaging local residents as volunteers and leaders, the Trust ensures that its initiatives have a lasting impact.
The Power of Green and Blue Prescribing
Throughout our conversation, we reflected on the transformative power of green and blue social prescribing. From walking programs for isolated seniors to canoeing adventures for troubled youth, these initiatives not only improve physical and mental well-being but also foster community connections and personal growth.
I believe water has a magnetic pull on people, drawing them in with its beauty and tranquility. By incorporating water-based activities into community programs, organisations like the Canals and River Trust and Burscough Community Farm can unlock new dimensions of engagement and enjoyment for their participants.
Expanding Horizons: Future Collaborations
Looking ahead, we discussed the potential for further collaboration between the Canals and River Trust and our Farm. With the farm’s proximity to the canal, there’s ample opportunity to incorporate water-based activities like canoeing and stand-up paddle-boarding into our offerings.
By offering taster sessions and structured courses, the farm could attract a diverse range of participants and provide them with meaningful experiences on the water. From wildlife surveys to leisurely paddles, there’s something for everyone to enjoy and benefit from.
Listen to the full podcast and see the transcript here.
Share Your Story
Whether you’re a social prescriber, a participant, or simply someone who enjoys the great outdoors, the ‘We All Need Nature’ podcast wants to hear from you. Share your experiences and insights with us through our website, weallneednature.com. Together, let’s continue exploring the profound connections between nature, well-being, and community.
What is Blue Social Prescribing?
Blue Social Prescribing involves connecting individuals with water-based activities, such as canoeing, walking along riversides, or participating in community events by waterways. This is to improve their mental and physical well-being. It harnesses the therapeutic benefits of being near water to promote health, happiness, and a sense of connection to nature.