RecruitingInterventional

Testing a nature-based parent program for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

This study is testing a 'nature box' called CONIFAS V1, designed for children aged 6-11 with ADHD and their families. Many children with ADHD face long waits for support, and spending time in nature might help. The box offers activities to do at home, created with families and experts, to see if it can help with ADHD symptoms and improve quality of life. We want to find out if this nature box can be used within NHS ADHD services and if our research approach (called a randomised controlled trial) is a good way to test if the box works. Half the families will get the box, while all will receive standard care. This helps understand if our testing method is effective.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

104

Start

26 Jan 2026

Estimated completion

30 Nov 2026

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

What is this study about?

This study is looking into a new idea to help children aged 6 to 11 who have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and are waiting for support from the NHS. We know that waiting lists for ADHD support can be very long, and this can be tough for both children and their families. Research suggests that spending more time outdoors and connecting with nature might be a helpful way to support children with ADHD.

We've put together something called a 'nature box' (we call it CONIFAS V1), filled with fun activities for children and their families to do at home. We worked closely with children who have ADHD, their families, and staff who support them to create it. The aim of this box is to help with ADHD symptoms and generally improve a child's quality of life. It's meant to be used alongside the usual care a child receives, like medication, once they've been diagnosed with ADHD.

Our main goal with this study is to see if this 'nature box' can be properly used and accepted by NHS ADHD services. We also want to check if a specific way of doing research, called a 'randomised controlled trial', is a good method to test if the nature box actually helps children with their ADHD symptoms and improves their quality of life. This study is an important first step to understanding if this nature-based approach could become a helpful option for more families in the future.

Key takeaways

This study tests a 'nature box' for children with ADHD aged 6-11.
The box aims to help with ADHD symptoms and improve quality of life by encouraging time in nature.
The study helps us understand if the nature box can be used in NHS services and if our testing method works.
Families will be split into two groups: one gets the nature box, the other doesn't (but gets a goodie bag later).
Participation involves completing questionnaires; an adult must supervise activities if a box is received.
Your child will continue to receive their usual ADHD care from the NHS.

Who may be eligible?

This study is for children aged between 6 and 11 years old. They must have already received an ADHD diagnosis and currently be on a waiting list to get further support from the NHS. It's also important that both the child and their parent or guardian can understand English well enough to take part in the study.

Parents or guardians need to be willing to fill out some questionnaires about their child's well-being. We can offer support if you need help with these.

Unfortunately, children cannot take part if they are thought to be at risk of harming themselves or others, or if they have other very profound difficulties that a parent or guardian feels would make participating difficult. Parents or guardians also can't take part if they are unable or unwilling to agree to the study or complete the questionnaires.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Is your child aged between 6 and 11 years old?
Has your child already been diagnosed with ADHD?
Is your child currently on a waiting list for ADHD support from the NHS?
Can you and your child understand English well enough to take part?
Are you able and willing to complete some questionnaires about your child's well-being?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, your child will continue to receive their usual care for ADHD. All families will be asked to complete some questionnaires about their child's well-being and activities at different times during the study. We can help you complete these if needed.

The children and families taking part will be split into two groups by chance (like flipping a coin). One group will receive the 'nature box' (CONIFAS V1) in addition to their usual care. The other group will just receive their usual care during the study period.

The activities in the nature box are designed to be done at home. If your child receives a box, an adult must supervise them during the activities to ensure they stay safe. At the end of the study, the families who didn't receive the nature box during the main study will get a 'nature goodie bag' so they can also try some nature-based activities. The study is expected to run from June 2025 to January 2027.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study has very low risks. The main thing you'll be asked to do is complete some questionnaires about your child. We can help you with these if you need it. If your child receives a nature activity box, the activities are designed to be safe and suitable for children, but an adult must supervise them to keep them safe. You should know that we can't promise any direct benefit from taking part. However, families who receive the nature activity box might find the activities enjoyable and helpful for spending time outdoors together. Those who don't get the box during the study will still get a nature goodie bag at the end. By taking part, you'll be helping researchers learn valuable information about how nature-based activities could support children's well-being and how we can best test these ideas in the future. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your child's usual NHS care.

Locations (2)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Hull, England
Navigo Health and Social Care CIC
City only
Grimsby, England

Common questions

What is ADHD?

ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It's a condition that affects how people behave, often leading to difficulties with paying attention, controlling impulses, and being overly active.

What is a 'nature box'?

It's a box filled with activities designed for children and their families to do at home, encouraging them to spend time outdoors and connect with nature. It was created to help with ADHD symptoms and improve quality of life.

Will my child get the nature box?

Children taking part will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group will receive the nature box, and the other will not. This is decided by chance, like flipping a coin, to make the study fair.

What happens if my child doesn't get the box?

If your child doesn't receive the activity box during the study, they will still continue with their usual ADHD care. At the end of the study, they will receive a 'nature goodie bag' so they can also try some nature-based activities.

Will taking part affect my child's usual ADHD treatment?

No, taking part in this study will not affect the usual care or medication your child receives from the NHS for their ADHD.

How to find out more

Ellen Kingsley

e.kingsley@nhs.net +44 (0)7870992859 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.