How gardening can boost mental health explored at talk

Dr Carly Wood will showcase how therapeutic gardens run by Southend-based charity Trust Links can help at the event co-hosted by the University.

The illuminating lecture will underpin the inspiring Sowing Seeds of Wellbeing Conference 2022 which brings together the public, service users, Government, charities, NHS professionals and researchers.

It will take place on April 6 to explore how to boost uptake, expand projects, and help encourage referrals to community gardens in Westcliff, Thundersley, Shoeburyness, Rochford and Cressing Temple.

This is the charity’s second annual online conference, with last year’s welcoming over 100 people wanting to find out more about healthcare and horticulture.

Dr Wood, from the School of Sports, Exercise, Rehabilitation and Exercises, has dedicated her career to studying Green Exercise and urged people to sign up to the free event.

She said: “This event will help to explore how community gardening can be used to support mental health and how we can support individuals in gaining access to these vital health resources.

“The University of Exercise is a pioneer in the field of Green Exercise and we are committed to promoting and encouraging its adoption.

“I urge anyone with an interest in how gardening can transform lives to sign up and find out more.”

Dr Wood will be joined by Sam Alford, senior manager for the NHS’ Green Social Prescribing Test and Learn Pilot Programme, Dave Bell principal adviser for health, wellbeing and the environment from Natural England and representatives from doctors’ surgeries in Essex.

More details and how to sign up are available online