Using engagement in sustainable construction to improve mental health and social connection in disadvantaged and hard to reach groups: a new green care approach

Abstract

Background: The positive impact of the outdoors on physical and mental health is increasingly being evidenced. However, the impact on vulnerable and disadvantaged individuals engaging in group based sustainable building construction has not been examined. Aim: To provide the first pragmatic examination of the impact of engaging in a brief (8 days over 8 weeks) outdoor sustainable construction project on the mental health and social connectedness of hard to reach and disadvantaged groups. Methods: In study 1, 93 young people not in education, employment or training took part whilst study 2 comprised 55 adults who were asylum seekers, long-term unemployed or men with longstanding depression. Self-report data were collected at baseline and towards the end of the programme. Results: Those with poor mental health and social connection at baseline showed statistically and clinically significant improvements in depression, anxiety, resilience and social connection by the end of the brief intervention. Conclusion: Engagement in a group based sustainable construction project can provide significant mental health and social benefits to a range of vulnerable and hard to reach groups with difficulties in these areas. Building on these findings could be important for health and social care policy for marginalised groups.