Ecotherapy and Wellbeing What does the research show? Rachel Bragg University of Essex

Transcription

1 Ecotherapy and Wellbeing What does the research show? Rachel Bragg University of Essex

2 Outline Snapshot of the evidence base for nature and health Why the Ecominds wellbeing evaluation helps to fill a gap in the knowledge base Overview of results Implications

3 Our relationship with nature has changed...

4 Nature Contributes to Healthy Communities Reduces property crime Violent crime Levels of aggression Provides a sense of belonging Reduces health inequalities Reduces stress Perceived Objective e.g. Cortisol Restores mental fatigue Enhances social cohesion Reduces social isolation Improves social networking Encourages intergenerational links Nature Improves mental health and wellbeing Self-esteem Mood Facilitates activity Improves physical health Lowers BP Increases HRV Reduces obesity

5 Ecotherapy or Green Care Umbrella terms for a range of nature-based interventions for vulnerable groups including those with mental ill-health Initiatives facilitated, specific intervention, for particular participants, rather than simply an experience in nature for general public. Green Care approaches therapeutic in nature although some initiatives also include formal therapy as an integral part of the programme. Recently term Ecotherapy used more generically/ interchangeably with Green Care

6 Green Care Social and Therapeutic Horticulture Animal assisted interventions Wilderness therapy; Nature therapy Ecotherapy Facilitated Environmental conservation Care Farming Nature arts and crafts Green Exercise therapy Source: Adapted from Hine et al., 2008 Range of different contexts, activities, health benefits, clients, motivations and needs.

7 Ecominds wellbeing evaluation First study of different types of ecotherapy in the UK Longitudinal & acute effect study Recognised outcome measures Figure 3. Overview of the University of Essex Ecominds evaluation Within group study 3 key themes: i) wellbeing, ii) social inclusion, iii) connection to nature All projects study Ecominds evaluation Between groups study Changes over the Ecominds programme In-depth study Changes after an Ecominds session

8 Results All projects study - Significant changes

9 Results In Depth study Significant increase in participant wellbeing over the course of the programme Significant increase in participant self-esteem over the course of the programme

10 Results In Depth study Increased social inclusion Increased connection to nature

11 Ecotherapy can be used : To increase mental wellbeing through the Five ways to wellbeing To build resilience In the treatment of mild to moderate depression As a way of engaging men with mental healthcare services To produce multiple outcomes

12 Implications of Ecominds research Treatment for those with existing mental health problems Another tool in the tool box for mental healthcare To build resilience for those at risk of developing mental ill-health Preventative measure for the vulnerable And for us all...

13 Implications ctd. An enjoyable option to help people feel better Efficient multiple outcomes simultaneously wider than clinical outcomes Cost-effective Leaving the diagnosis at the gate Helps reduce social isolation

14 Conclusion Nature is an important resource for human health need to actively protect it to ensure access for all Ecotherapy projects reduce public health costs by promoting healthier communities Need to engage commissioners of health & social care services to fund & support Ecotherapy initiatives Promote it to GP s, call upon NICE to consider the evidence & recommend Ecotherapy interventions as treatment options for mental ill-health Need to think of a Natural Health Service to complement the NHS?

15 It has done more for me than I could have imagined, it has released my spirit and I feel completely different rebragg@essex.ac.uk Thank you for listening