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This October, the CLEVER London focused their efforts on raising awareness for Mental Health among students at a local South Thamesmead school: the Harris Garrard Academy. 240 students participated in a discussion on the relationship between green spaces and mental health. Local CLEVER Cities interventions such as the Edible Garden and Tiny Forest were front and center. Students learned how these projects have improved the quality of green spaces in Thamesmead and encouraged local residents to become more active and spend more time outside–behaviors that support mental and physical health.

The COVID-19 pandemic has made it only more clear that green spaces play an important role in improving mental health and reducing social isolation. Many of us remember how essential it was to meet close friends outside, and how setting time aside to walk outside helped us handle the long days at home. Students were encouraged to get involved by participating in volunteering and training sessions offered by the Making Space for Nature (MSFN) programme. 

The CLEVER Cities London team has developed a long-term relationship with many schools across Thamesmead. School programmes and outdoor learning activities have been crucial for awareness raising activities and the project aims to reach even more kids and young people in its final year. Discussions such as this one illuminate the importance of long-term cooperation with schools in helping local residents to understand the CLEVER Cities project and its goals, and to inspire them to get involved so that they too can play a role in greening their community.