Advancing Equity in Green Social Prescribing: Exploring Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Access and Inclusion

Background Green Social Prescribing (GSP) aims to improve health and well-being by connecting individuals to nature-based interventions (NBIs). However, ethnic minority groups remain underrepresented in GSP despite growing evidence of its benefits. This study explores the barriers and facilitators to GSP participation among Black and Asian ethnic minority groups, applying the Environmental Justice Framework (EJF) to examine issues of distributional, procedural, and recognitional justice in access to green spaces. Methods A mixed-methods approach was used, comprising of an online survey (N=38), qualitative interviews and focus groups with participants (N=58) from diverse Black and Asian ethnicities, those from faith backgrounds and GSP programme providers. Quantitative survey responses were analysed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data was thematically analysed and salient themes identified. Results Despite strong interest in GSP 97% of survey respondents expressed willingness to participate. Awareness was low, 95% had not been referred by healthcare professionals. Barriers included limited availability, lack of cultural representation, affordability, and safety concerns. Many participants perceived GSP as catering to white middle class groups, creating psychological barriers to participation. Participants emphasised the need for culturally tailored interventions, including multilingual materials, faith-based adaptations, gender-specific sessions, and community-led programmes. Sustainable funding, transport support, and improved safety measures were also identified as key to improving accessibility. Conclusion Findings highlight the pressing need for an equity-based approach to GSP, ensuring that ethnic minority groups have inclusive access to nature-based interventions. Increased referrals from primary care, culturally and linguistically adapted programmes, community-led initiatives, while reducing economic and transport barriers could improve participation. Future research should explore ethnicity-specific evaluation frameworks and the long-term impact of tailored GSP interventions.