National Lottery funding secured for nature and health programme

HEY Smile Foundation has secured new funding from The National Lottery Community Fund to deliver the next phase of its Growing Green and Blue Health programme, helping people improve their health and wellbeing through practical environmental action and connection with nature.

Growing Green and Blue Health

This next phase will expand support across the East Riding of Yorkshire, with a particular focus on communities experiencing the greatest health inequalities, including Bridlington, Withernsea and Goole.

Building on earlier work across Humber and North Yorkshire, the programme will take a more localised approach, working with voluntary and community organisations, nature-based partners and healthcare providers to reach people who face the biggest barriers to accessing green and blue spaces. Activities will give local residents the chance to contribute to their environment and support nature conservation.

The initiative is designed to support and empower people most affected by poverty, poor health and exclusion, including those living in deprived communities, unpaid carers and people from ethnic minority backgrounds.

Why nature and health?

Programme Manager Anthony Hurd said:

“We are delighted to secure further funding for this programme. Growing Green and Blue Health responds to growing evidence that time spent in nature can improve mental wellbeing, reduce stress and support healthier lives. However, not everyone has equal access to these benefits.

This programme aims to change that by making opportunities more accessible to people who may not feel confident, welcome or able to take part, particularly in areas where the need is greatest. By breaking down barriers and strengthening people’s connection to nature, we will support them to build skills, confidence and knowledge to take practical environmental action in their communities.”

Community at the heart

Community involvement will be central to delivery. Local people will help shape and lead activities, alongside the recruitment and training of community champions who will encourage participation and peer support.

Participants will be offered structured 12‑week programmes designed to be practical and low‑barrier, including:

• Food growing

• Conservation work

• Local environmental projects

These activities aim to improve wellbeing while strengthening connections between people and the places they live.

The programme will also continue to build stronger links between health services, the voluntary sector and community organisations, creating more inclusive and preventative pathways into support.

Head of Service Carole Pickburn said:

“This initiative shows how people can be empowered to contribute positively to their environment whilst improving their wellbeing. Health and social services, voluntary organisations and communities can work together to focus on prevention, protect the environment and reduce isolation. Nature-based support can play an important role in helping people take positive steps for their health.”

Opportunities to get involved

HEY Smile Foundation is recruiting for a number of roles to deliver this new phase of Growing Green and Blue Health, offering the chance to be part of meaningful work that supports both communities and the environment.

Keep an eye on our channels for updates and opportunities to get involved. You apply HERE before 5th July 2026 at 12am.