The Princess of Wales has visited a pioneering charity that uses nature to help people overcome emotional and psychological issues.
Kate spent time at a Dose of Nature which supports mental health through a programme based around clinical prescriptions to get out and about.
The visit, which took place no October 21 but which was shared as November got under way, saw the Princess join a session in the outdoors.
The charity uses a clinically led programme based on one to one guidance, connection with nature and psychology to help those experiencing mental health issues.
It was a chance for Kate to get an overview of the courses that are prescribed which usually last ten weeks and which are tailored to individuals so that people get maximum benefit.
The programmes offered are based on scientific evidence which shows the links between spending time in nature and good mental health.
As the visit was announced, Kensington Palace said ”spending time in nature can help us feel both calmer and more alert”.
The Princess of Wales has spoken often in the past eighteen months about the benefits she gets from being in nature. Kate has talked about how her connection with the environment has helped her through her treatment for cancer and her recovery.
During the visit, Kate spoke to the founder of Dose of Nature, Dr Alison Greenwood, as well its clinical lead, Dr Georgina Gould, about how even the smallest moment of outdoor calm, like listening too birdsong, can help. She was told ”birds are an indication that predators aren’t around and that therefore we’re safe as a species…there’s so much that people really resonate with.”
There was also a chance to speak in depth to several of those who are using this particular programme at Kew. Among those that the Princess met was Tom who had first used Dose of Nature as a client but who now helps with programme to help others. The Princess of Wales told him ”Our journey has been very very different, but it’s so wonderful to hear about your nature connection and how it’s been so healing for you, and I felt the same.
Dr. Alison Greenwood said ”“We were incredibly honoured and excited to welcome Her Royal Highness to our beautiful little field in Kew. Her longstanding interest in the relationship between nature, prevention and wellbeing reflects an important conversation about how we support healthier, happier lives…”
Georgina Gould added ” Our work supporting individuals to build a stronger connection with the natural world demonstrates the positive impact this can have. It also highlights the importance of bringing the benefits of connecting with nature into the public domain, helping to improve the mental health and wellbeing of future generations.”
The Princess of Wales has been a long term advocate of better mental health and much of her recent work has been focused on supporting people to find support that suits and benefits them.
