{"id":308263,"date":"2026-01-06T15:19:01","date_gmt":"2026-01-06T15:19:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.edgehill.ac.uk\/?p=308263"},"modified":"2026-03-08T22:03:47","modified_gmt":"2026-03-08T22:03:47","slug":"ice-baths-to-forest-walks-edge-hill-professor-explores-power-of-social-prescribing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.edgehill.ac.uk\/news\/2026\/01\/ice-baths-to-forest-walks-edge-hill-professor-explores-power-of-social-prescribing\/","title":{"rendered":"Ice baths to forest walks: Edge Hill professor explores power of social prescribing"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In the latest episode of the new podcast\u2019s first series \u2018What\u2019s in Your Head?\u2019, University Professor Michelle Howarth joins hosts Gareth Roberts and honorary doctor Chris Kirkland to discuss why the secret to better mental health might not be found in a pharmacy, but in our local parks, forests and even cold-water dams. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Professor Howarth, a specialist in social prescribing, explains that rather than simply asking patients “what is the matter with you?”, social prescribing asks “what matters to you?”, an important step change, especially as we start a new year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This approach connects people with non-clinical activities ranging from gardening and volunteering to weightlifting and wild swimming to improve their long-term wellbeing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cSocial prescribing is about enabling us to access community groups that make us feel better. We\u2019ve got really good evidence to confirm being out in nature physiologically boosts your serotonin, the happy hormone.” <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

The episode dives into the personal stories of the hosts and guest. Chris Kirkland shares his transition from long-term antidepressant use to finding “addictive” levels of peace in cold-water therapy and walks on Formby Beach.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meanwhile, Professor Howarth shares her journey from nursing during the 1980s AIDS crisis to leading international research trials such as the GreenME project<\/a>, which uses randomised controlled trials to prove the physiological benefits of nature. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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As a Professor in Health and Social Care at Edge Hill University, Michelle is at the forefront of research into how non-clinical activities can bridge the gap between traditional medicine and long-term mental wellbeing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cWe must find ‘sneaky ways’ of getting nature back into people\u2019s lives. Instead of just trying to get children off their phones, we should think about how we can use that technology to get them to engage with the outdoors in the first place. Whether it\u2019s through apps, digital treasure hunts or outdoor sports, we can provide the physiological benefits of nature without them even realising it.\u201d <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>

\"Michelle<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Closer to home, the conversation highlights the new “Dose of Nature” walks at Edge Hill\u2019s Ormskirk campus and the introduction of a dedicated social prescriber, Yasmine Armstrong, within the University\u2019s wellbeing service. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The next dose of nature walk takes place on Monday 19 January at Edge Hill Ormskirk campus, 12:30 pm, meeting outside Edge Hill Sports centre. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Popular regional podcaster Gareth Roberts and Chris Kirkland, former Liverpool FC goalkeeper and Edge Hill Honorary Doctor, share their experiences with mental health during the \u2018What\u2019s in Your Head?\u2019 series and spotlight the power of talking as a critical step toward mental wellness.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Explore other episodes of\u202f\u2018What\u2019s in Your Head?\u2019<\/a>,\u202ffeaturing guests with\u202fexpertise\u202for\u202flived experience\u202fof mental health, on Spotify <\/a>and\u202fYouTube<\/a>\u202fnow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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