Join us to learn more about the Erasmus Plus funded project “SPACE” (Social Prescribing And Community Engagement). The project focuses on the role and impact of volunteering as part of social prescribing. The context of people recovering from cancer volunteering in community and urban gardens has been chosen as the case study and focus of the project.

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We are pleased to invite you to the first of five high-impact, one-hour online conversations as part of the emerging European community of practice on the subject of volunteering and social prescribing. 

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In this first session, Jo Ward, from the lead UK SPACE partner, will give an overview of the project and share outcomes from research emphasising the value of “green social prescribing” (connect individuals to nature-based activities, such as community gardening, walking schemes, and conservation volunteering),  and access to green spaces in cancer care and rehabilitation. The session provides an opportunity to engage with other stakeholders interested in the subject of volunteering and social and supports ongoing collaboration and dialogue.

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Jo was previously the NHS England Social Prescribing Lead (North-West) for over ten years and leads the Museum Development North annual wellbeing programme supporting Green Museums and a social justice agenda. She established a green space volunteer initiative in 1999 to promote nature connection and encourage pro-environmental behaviour, which received the Kings Award for Voluntary Service in 2025.

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A team of researchers from the Social Innovation, Green Spaces and Cancer special interest groups of the Institute for Health Research at Liverpool John Moores University are delighted to be collaborating with the SPACE project investigating green prescribing in cancer care and recovery and are co-hosting the event.