Social aspects of green care

'Green care' overwhelmingly takes place in a social context, yet this element can often appear to be marginalised in comparison both to associated health outcomes and the relevance of the natural environment. Whilst the criticality of these latter factors is acknowledged, this chapter focuses upon social aspects and seeks to argue that they, in fact, underpin the benefits that green care can provide. Consideration is initially given to the nature of the relationship between social factors, health and well-being before subsequently outlining available evidence concerning the contribution that the social element makes to green care activities. The specific processes and outcomes that are identified are then discussed in greater depth and are further illustrated with the support of qualitative material provided by care farm stakeholders in the UK. The chapter concludes by suggesting how and why social, environmental and economic elements (and related outcomes) should all be incorporated to allow a truly holistic understanding of associated value to be identified, presented and indeed celebrated.