Working in the Woodlands: A mixed methods evaluation of Green Care in First Episode Psychosis

Introduction Recognition of the essential role nature-based activities for general wellbeing is expanding. Currently, there limited evidence benefits green care those with severe and enduring mental illness, including psychosis. Objectives We aim to establish difficulties encountered during a 10-session programme 18-30 year olds who have experienced first episode psychosis (FEP) using mixed methods approach. Methods This was service evaluation ’Woodland Group’ 10 half-day sessions participants FEP. Sessions consisted welcome agenda setting, ice-breaking activity, core activity. Quantitative data this collected through 15-item Questionnaire on Process Recovery (QPR), semi-structured intervention experience questionnaire. Qualitative via focus group. Thematic analysis performed by three co-authors. Results 4/8 patients showed reliable improvement QPR outcome measures, 1 deterioration 3 no change. Mean scores modest increase from average 3.4 (week 1) 3.8 10). 100% respondents would recommend group others. identified themes connection nature others, development sense ‘peacefulness’ new perspectives psychotic experience. Conclusions small, retrospective investigate interventions young people experiencing Our results reflect positive informal feedback supporting staff. Limitations include small sample size, incomplete data, reliance patient-reported outcomes. These findings show promise within EIS. Disclosure No significant relationships.