Naturalist, TV presenter, photographer and author Chris Packham looks at how individuals can harness developing a connection with nature to improve the symptoms of debilitating mental health conditions, including depression and Seasonal Affective Disorder, at a lecture at the University of Winchester on Thursday 1 December 2022.
The lecture - titled Nature on my mind: The impact of nature, wildlife and caring for the environment on our mental health - is Chris Packham's first talk as patron of Winchester Youth Counselling. It is being hosted as a partnership between the University of Winchester and Winchester Youth Counselling and all proceeds from ticket sales will go to Winchester Youth Counselling.
Chris will present compelling evidence that shows an important link between immersing ourselves in the natural environment and preserving or improving our mental health. The increasing popularity of nature-based interventions in healthcare, education and rehabilitation demonstrate the practical, measurable applications of this concept.
Finally, Chris presents a call to action for society and individuals to spread awareness of this connection, with a goal of understanding the true value of the natural world around us, which goes far beyond our physical and practical needs.
Erin McMurty, CEO of Winchester Youth Counselling, said: "We are incredibly grateful to Chris for being a patron of Winchester Youth Counselling and sharing his valuable time with us. We are hugely looking forward to hearing what he has to say about nature and mental health, which is an area of work that is so important to us and so valuable to young people in Winchester. We would like to sincerely thank Chris, the University of Winchester, WYC staff and young volunteers that have made this opportunity possible."
Professor Sarah Greer, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Winchester, said: ""The benefits of green spaces and the natural environment for our health and wellbeing are increasingly recognised - particularly since Covid19 - and so we are delighted to welcome Chris Packham to talk about the important issue of mental health and how research backs up the powerful idea that 'nature is good medicine'.
"I am also pleased that through this partnership with Winchester Youth Counselling, the University is able to support their work through the proceeds of the ticket sales for this event."
Chris is best known for presenting Springwatch, Autumnwatch and Winterwatch for the BBC, as well as writing an award-winning memoir Fingers in the Sparkle Jar in 2016.
Two documentaries, Chris Packham: Aspergers and me and more recently Chris Packham: The walk that made me, shed light on his unique perception of the world, and his own struggles with mental health in his younger years.
The lecture takes place at 7.15-8.45pm on Thursday 1 December 2022, with light refreshments available from 6.30pm, in the West Downs Centre, Romsey Road S022 5FT. Tickets: £20 or £16.50 for students and under-18s. All of the funds will go directly to Winchester Youth Counselling. Visit: www.winchester.ac.uk/chrispackham to book.
Tickets are available to book on the University website at: www.winchester.ac.uk/chrispackham
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