RECETAS Survey Results Write-Up

As part of RECETAS Work Package 2, Visible Network Labs (VNL) conducted an organizational social network analysis in collaboration with each of the six project sites: Helsinki, Melbourne, Cuenca, Barcelona, Marseille and Prague. In October and November 2021, 253 organizations across five of the cities were invited to participate in a Social Network Analysis of their current organizational partnerships around addressing mental health, well-being, and loneliness. Of these, 160 organizations responded to the survey, for a 63% response rate. In addition, another Social Network Analysis was carried out in Marseille, France using a different survey distribution method. Below outlines some takeaways from the surveys.

Nature-based Solutions Used

The most used solutions by respondent organizations include green space (47%), outdoor recreation (45%), and nature walks and/or cycling (39%).

 Programs to Address Mental Health, Wellbeing & Loneliness

The types of programs or services that the most organizations engage in across each project site include education, training, or professional development (45%), expertise, knowledge-sharing, or consulting (37%), and direct social services or health care (36%).

Familiarity of Nature-based Social Prescribing and Solutions

As many as 46% of respondents indicated they are either “somewhat” or “very” aware of the term “nature-based social prescribing.” Helsinki leads in awareness (71% somewhat or very aware), followed by Melbourne (65%), and Barcelona (62%). While Cuenca comes in lower (44%), this value is noteworthy as it is entirely made up of “very aware” respondents.

Adoption of Nature-based Social Prescribing and Solutions

Barcelona reflects the average belief across all sites in terms of whether nature-based solutions are being adopted to address mental health, well-being, or loneliness, with a roughly 30-70 split (29% either “a great deal” or “a fair amount”, 72% either “a small amount” or “not at all”). Prague shows the most optimism (67% positive responses).

Impact of COVID-19

Most respondents believe that the COVID-19 pandemic increased public awareness of the problem of mental health, well-being, and loneliness. Respondents are evenly split on how the pandemic affected funding, and many were uncertain on how it affected the number of people receiving services and treatment (46%).

The RECETAS project will use these survey data to better understand how stakeholders across the six cities are working to address mental health, well-being, and loneliness through social prescribing and nature-based activities with the ultimate goal to systematically improve mental health and well-being, reduce loneliness, promote vibrant socially-connected communities, contribute to the sustainability of cities, and reduce health inequities by connecting diverse populations to nature in meaningful ways.

To view the rest of the results please visit this link.

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