Thriving Communities webinar: Nature Connectedness

Join us for the next webinar in the Thriving Communities series where we will hear about the importance of nature connectedness for people’s health and wellbeing and how it links with social prescribing.

It will explain the difference between contact with nature and nature connectedness, and the importance of both in optimising the benefits of nature for health and wellbeing. You will learn about five simple pathways to nature connectedness to improve policy, planning and delivery at both an organisational and individual level.

What is Thriving Communities?

Thriving Communities is a national support programme for voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise groups, supporting communities impacted by COVID19 in England, working alongside social prescribing link workers.

Through networks, blogs, resources and webinars Thriving Communities enables communities to share learning, gain new ideas, access funding and develop partnerships across sectors.

It is run by the National Academy for Social Prescribing, an organisation dedicated to the advancement of social prescribing through promotion, collaboration and innovation.

What will you learn?

This webinar will:

Explore what nature connectedness is, and how it differs from contact with nature

Share a summary of the evidence to show how both contact and connectedness with nature are needed to optimise the benefits for health and wellbeing

Build confidence in applying five simple pathways to nature connectedness to improve policy, planning and delivery at both organisational and individual levels

Highlight the opportunities to develop nature connectedness through social prescribing

Signpost to sources of help for people to learn more

Who is it for?

Community groups and the voluntary sector

National and regional delivery organisations

Policy and decision makers who are considering interventions to support health, wellbeing and recovery

Who will be speaking?

Chair: Jim Burt, Head of Programmes, National Academy for Social Prescribing

Professor Miles Richardson, Professor of Human Factors and Nature Connectedness, University of Derby. He founded the Nature Connectedness Research Group at the University of Derby in 2013. The group has pioneered the first interventions to bring about sustained increases in nature connectedness, bringing about improved wellbeing and pro-nature behaviours.

Emma Spencer, The Oak Project at Yorkshire Sculpture Park

Hana Sutch is co-founder and CEO at Go Jauntly, a health and wellness company who created Go Jauntly. A multi-award winning walking, wayfinding and nature connection app. The app breaks down barriers to walking by helping people discover walks, create their own and share outdoor adventures with friends. Go Jauntly partners with a variety of organisations including Transport for London, Sport England, Greater Manchester Moving, Southampton City Council, London Wildlife Trust, Tranquil City and the University of Derby to increase walking for leisure, active travel as well as nature connection. Hana is the host of the podcast, Nature Bantz; and is a strong believer in tech for good.

Nigel King, Senior Advisor Nature Connection, Natural England