Who are you and for what partner organisation do you work?
My name is Alba Godfrey and I’m a Senior Project Coordinator at EuroHealthNet, the European Partnership for health, equity, and wellbeing. EuroHealthNet brings together public health bodies from across Europe to build a healthier future for all by addressing the determinants of health and reducing inequalities.
What is your expertise related to nature-based therapy?
At EuroHealthNet, our focus is on preventing disease and promoting good physical and mental health by looking within but also beyond health care systems. For the past five years, I have been leading our contribution to European research projects exploring how to improve health, equity, and environmental sustainability, through various approaches.
Can you describe the Work Package (WP) you lead in a couple of sentences?
EuroHealthNet is leading RESONATE’s “health equity” WP. Our activities focus on two main elements. First, we’re working with the Case Studies to conduct health impact assessments on their interventions, aiming to gain an improved understanding of the distributional health impacts of nature-based therapies. Second, we’re researching barriers and facilitators that hinder and enable nature-based therapy uptake in the health sector, and developing guidance for healthcare professionals.
What excites you most about the RESONATE project?
Part of what makes RESONATE so interesting – and challenging! – is our ambition, and the fact that we’re looking at the health, environmental, social and economic impacts of nature-based therapy. Lasting change and impact can only be achieved through a systems-approach to addressing the issues we are facing, and if we work collaboratively towards achieving this goal.
What is your own favourite way to engage with nature for your health and wellbeing?
I live in the city centre in a neighbourhood with little green space, so when I get out of the city I beeline towards green and blue spaces in which to stretch my legs and fill my lungs. I love packing a picnic and heading out for the day for a long walk along the coast or in the woods – ideally with a swim in a hidden lake or in the sea fitted in somewhere along the way!
LinkedIn: Alba Godfrey