Families Growing Together: Mental health and wellbeing benefits on interaction with nature among ethnic minority group in England
1
School of Human and Health Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, United Kingdom
2
School of Nursing, Public Health and Healthcare Leadership, University of Bradford, Bradford, United Kingdom
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Human interactions with nature are associated with improved mental health, wellbeing, and social connection (1). Activities such as gardening or horticulture provide opportunities for physical activity, relaxation, learning, and community engagement (2,3). However, little is known about how intergenerational families from ethnic minority backgrounds in the UK experience nature together and how shared outdoor activities influence mental health and wellbeing across generations (4).
AIM:
This study explored how intergenerational family members from ethnic minority backgrounds engage with nature and outdoor social activities, and how these experiences affect their mental health and wellbeing.
METHODS:
This qualitative research uses a participatory approach (5) to conduct three focus group discussions, with a total of twenty-six participants of all age groups from nine families. Discussions focused on participants’ expectations, lived experiences of gardening, horticulture and outdoor activities, and reflections on the impact of these activities on mental health and wellbeing. Data were analysed using thematic analysis (6).
RESULTS:
Five themes were identified: i) Coming together with family members; ii) Experiencing nature: Outdoor activities; iii) New Learning: Growing your own; iv) Social interactions and outdoor experience; and v) Mental health and wellbeing benefits. Participants often attended to support family members and reported limited initial expectations. Across generations, participants described enjoyment, active engagement, and appreciation of gardening, planting, outdoor cooking, and shared activities. The natural environment enabled freedom of expression, learning new skills, strengthened family relationships, and renewed community ties. While participation was overwhelmingly positive, male involvement was limited.
CONCLUSIONS:
Intergenerational nature-based activities can positively support mental health, wellbeing, family bonding, and social inclusion among ethnic minority communities. Findings highlight the importance of culturally inclusive, sustainable, and community-based green space initiatives that encourage participation across generations and genders.
Human interactions with nature are associated with improved mental health, wellbeing, and social connection (1). Activities such as gardening or horticulture provide opportunities for physical activity, relaxation, learning, and community engagement (2,3). However, little is known about how intergenerational families from ethnic minority backgrounds in the UK experience nature together and how shared outdoor activities influence mental health and wellbeing across generations (4).
AIM:
This study explored how intergenerational family members from ethnic minority backgrounds engage with nature and outdoor social activities, and how these experiences affect their mental health and wellbeing.
METHODS:
This qualitative research uses a participatory approach (5) to conduct three focus group discussions, with a total of twenty-six participants of all age groups from nine families. Discussions focused on participants’ expectations, lived experiences of gardening, horticulture and outdoor activities, and reflections on the impact of these activities on mental health and wellbeing. Data were analysed using thematic analysis (6).
RESULTS:
Five themes were identified: i) Coming together with family members; ii) Experiencing nature: Outdoor activities; iii) New Learning: Growing your own; iv) Social interactions and outdoor experience; and v) Mental health and wellbeing benefits. Participants often attended to support family members and reported limited initial expectations. Across generations, participants described enjoyment, active engagement, and appreciation of gardening, planting, outdoor cooking, and shared activities. The natural environment enabled freedom of expression, learning new skills, strengthened family relationships, and renewed community ties. While participation was overwhelmingly positive, male involvement was limited.
CONCLUSIONS:
Intergenerational nature-based activities can positively support mental health, wellbeing, family bonding, and social inclusion among ethnic minority communities. Findings highlight the importance of culturally inclusive, sustainable, and community-based green space initiatives that encourage participation across generations and genders.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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