Ambra Burls - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Ambra Burls
Volunteering in nature as a way of enabling people to reintegrate into society
Journal of Public Mental Health, 2021
Purpose Drawing on experience of working in the area of mental health and the environment, key is... more Purpose Drawing on experience of working in the area of mental health and the environment, key issues are examined, and the theoretical framework is explained, including the benefits to communities and to the local environment of working with nature. Design/methodology/approach The interview gave an opportunity for development of ideas underlying concepts including the natural health service, green health literacy and changes in behaviour during the pandemic. Findings The ways in which people and the environment benefit from interaction with nature are becoming well understood; in a sustainable model, the value of the local environment is appreciated and will benefit from the care of those involved in relevant activities. There is a need for targeted training for health professionals, environment agencies’ staff and the voluntary sectors. Research limitations/implications The economic value of nature as a contributing factor in to mental health is an area for research which could ha...
‘Green Care’ is a range of activities that promotes physical and mental health and well-being thr... more ‘Green Care’ is a range of activities that promotes physical and mental health and well-being through contact with nature. It utilises farms, gardens and other outdoor spaces as a therapeutic intervention for vulnerable adults and children. Green care includes care farming, therapeutic horticulture, animal assisted therapy and other nature-based approaches. These are now the subject of investigation by researchers from many different countries across the world.
Perspectives in Public Health, 2010
Aims: Those who experience emotional and behavioural difficulties or mental health problems, are ... more Aims: Those who experience emotional and behavioural difficulties or mental health problems, are unemployed or bereaved, or have been in trouble with the law can be socially marginalized and can become isolated from their families, community and wider society. This paper explores the role of active hands-on contact with the environment through a general environmental volunteering programme and through a targeted therapeutic volunteer programme, highlighting how these two approaches can potentially aid some marginalized people to reintegrate into society. Methods: This study draws on concepts from the well-being and social capital literatures and refers to two separate pieces of research: Study 1 was based on general environmental volunteering primarily in northern England and southern Scotland; and Study 2 focused on mental health participants at Meanwhile Wildlife Garden in London. Ethnographic and interview data were gathered from participants as a means to understand the benefits...
BMJ, 2005
genome sequences between dogs, horses, cats, and humans is well advanced, 6 7 with progress also ... more genome sequences between dogs, horses, cats, and humans is well advanced, 6 7 with progress also in pigs, cattle, and sheep. Dogs combine exceptional phenotypic diversity, exemplified by breed differences in size and lifespan, with a relatively uniform genotype. Among some 370 canine genetic disorders, about half have exact human analogues. 8 They generally resemble the human disease more closely than do rodent models, reflecting closer evolutionary kinship and DNA sequence identity. 9 The National Human Genome Research Institute regards the canine genome as a key research priority. Molecular genetics adds new dimensions to comparative studiesidentification of novel disease genes, new disease models, new molecular targets for drugs, evaluation of gene therapy, and elucidation of genotypic variation in therapeutic responses. Comparative medicine emerged from the realisation that humans and animals shared similar cellular structures and mechanisms and faced challenges from similar microorganisms. But disease models were just that; resemblances between diseases. Now molecular science can show identical receptors, mediators, and James Herriot-the popular vet from the television series All Creatures Great and Small COPYRIGHT BBC Editorials See Papers p 1231
therapeutic communities, 2008
... By using metaphors taken from the environmental background, ecotherapy seeks to underscore th... more ... By using metaphors taken from the environmental background, ecotherapy seeks to underscore the 'auto-corrective ... seeking nature'is the main goal for all those involved in using it. ... Roszak, T., Gomes, M. and Kanner, AD (eds.)(1995) Ecopsychology: restoring the earth, healing ...
Journal of Mediterranean Ecology, 2007
International journal of evidence based coaching and mentoring, 2014
This paper presents findings from a proof of concept pilot study that explored the usefulness of ... more This paper presents findings from a proof of concept pilot study that explored the usefulness of a new Salutogenic model in coaching practice. The model aligns with the positive mindset inculcated in coaching, health, and wellbeing initiatives, and was developed and tested by three coaches who work in executive coaching, eco-coaching and life coaching. The study enabled the study coaches to test whether the Salutogenic model could contribute to the wellbeing of the study coachees, and was generic enough to be of use in different coaching areas of expertise. In order to ascertain this the study coaches ran a triangulated study, using not only the three areas of coaching expertise but also multiple sources of data collection and both individual and team coaching; all of which implies robustness of the study findings. The model was developed and refined through reflective iterative cycles, during which the study coaches identified ways the model could be used in practice. The model pro...
JPMH, 2021
Purpose-Drawing on experience of working in the area of mental health and the environment, key is... more Purpose-Drawing on experience of working in the area of mental health and the environment, key issues are examined, and the theoretical framework is explained, including the benefits to communities and to the local environment of working with nature. Design/methodology/approach-The interview gave an opportunity for development of ideas underlying concepts including the natural health service, green health literacy and changes in behaviour during the pandemic. Findings-The ways in which people and the environment benefit from interaction with nature are becoming well understood; in a sustainable model, the value of the local environment is appreciated and will benefit from the care of those involved in relevant activities. There is a need for targeted training for health professionals, environment agencies' staff and the voluntary sectors. Research limitations/implications-The economic value of nature as a contributing factor in to mental health is an area for research which could have major influence in policymaking. A meeting of a number of disciplines could further bring together social capital, health economics and ecology. Practical implications-Projects that are sustainable in every sense are those which are long term, whose value can be measured in environmental and economic terms. Social implications-Working models have been developed that involve people on the fringes of society and people with disabilities; they often become the movers in local organisations. Originality/value-This is an extremely wide-ranging assessment of developments in the relationship between mental health and nature.
Purpose-Drawing on experience of working in the area of mental health and the environment, key is... more Purpose-Drawing on experience of working in the area of mental health and the environment, key issues are examined, and the theoretical framework is explained, including the benefits to communities and to the local environment of working with nature. Design/methodology/approach-The interview gave an opportunity for development of ideas underlying concepts including the natural health service, green health literacy and changes in behaviour during the pandemic. Findings-The ways in which people and the environment benefit from interaction with nature are becoming well understood; in a sustainable model, the value of the local environment is appreciated and will benefit from the care of those involved in relevant activities. There is a need for targeted training for health professionals, environment agencies' staff and the voluntary sectors. Research limitations/implications-The economic value of nature as a contributing factor in to mental health is an area for research which could have major influence in policymaking. A meeting of a number of disciplines could further bring together social capital, health economics and ecology. Practical implications-Projects that are sustainable in every sense are those which are long term, whose value can be measured in environmental and economic terms. Social implications-Working models have been developed that involve people on the fringes of society and people with disabilities; they often become the movers in local organisations. Originality/value-This is an extremely wide-ranging assessment of developments in the relationship between mental health and nature.
The Routledge Handbook of Urban Ecology, 2008
Mental Health Review Journal, 2005
Primary Health Care Research and Development, 2004
ABSTRACT
Formal and informal education and learning in woodlands and green spaces can play an important ro... more Formal and informal education and learning in woodlands and green spaces can play an important role in contributing to people's health and well-being. Two mechanisms are outlined which might explain this: (1) through general exposure
This paper presents findings from a proof of concept pilot study that explored the usefulness of ... more This paper presents findings from a proof of concept pilot study that explored the usefulness of a new Salutogenic model in coaching practice. The model aligns with the positive mindset inculcated in coaching, health, and wellbeing initiatives, and was developed and tested by three coaches who work in executive coaching, eco-coaching and life coaching. The study enabled the study coaches to test whether the Salutogenic model could contribute to the wellbeing of the study coachees, and was generic enough to be of use in different coaching areas of expertise. In order to ascertain this the study coaches ran a triangulated study, using not only the three areas of coaching expertise but also multiple sources of data collection and both individual and team coaching; all of which implies robustness of the study findings. The model was developed and refined through reflective iterative cycles, during which the study coaches identified ways the model could be used in practice. The model proved to be adaptable for use by each of the study coaches, and produced positive outcomes for the study coachees.
There are numerous green spaces designated as 'therapeutic' in Europe and the UK (healing gardens... more There are numerous green spaces designated as 'therapeutic' in Europe and the UK (healing gardens, care farms, ecotherapeutic projects). This perspective veers people into a vision of these spaces as having a specific and possibly 'medicalised', single function. By so doing this reduces or limits the potential multi-functionality inherent in these 'special' green spaces. Much more creative scope exists to broaden the functional perspective of therapeutic green spaces, based on synthesising their intrinsic parallel uses. Further exploration of these uses leads to synergies and connections with:
Volunteering in nature as a way of enabling people to reintegrate into society
Journal of Public Mental Health, 2021
Purpose Drawing on experience of working in the area of mental health and the environment, key is... more Purpose Drawing on experience of working in the area of mental health and the environment, key issues are examined, and the theoretical framework is explained, including the benefits to communities and to the local environment of working with nature. Design/methodology/approach The interview gave an opportunity for development of ideas underlying concepts including the natural health service, green health literacy and changes in behaviour during the pandemic. Findings The ways in which people and the environment benefit from interaction with nature are becoming well understood; in a sustainable model, the value of the local environment is appreciated and will benefit from the care of those involved in relevant activities. There is a need for targeted training for health professionals, environment agencies’ staff and the voluntary sectors. Research limitations/implications The economic value of nature as a contributing factor in to mental health is an area for research which could ha...
‘Green Care’ is a range of activities that promotes physical and mental health and well-being thr... more ‘Green Care’ is a range of activities that promotes physical and mental health and well-being through contact with nature. It utilises farms, gardens and other outdoor spaces as a therapeutic intervention for vulnerable adults and children. Green care includes care farming, therapeutic horticulture, animal assisted therapy and other nature-based approaches. These are now the subject of investigation by researchers from many different countries across the world.
Perspectives in Public Health, 2010
Aims: Those who experience emotional and behavioural difficulties or mental health problems, are ... more Aims: Those who experience emotional and behavioural difficulties or mental health problems, are unemployed or bereaved, or have been in trouble with the law can be socially marginalized and can become isolated from their families, community and wider society. This paper explores the role of active hands-on contact with the environment through a general environmental volunteering programme and through a targeted therapeutic volunteer programme, highlighting how these two approaches can potentially aid some marginalized people to reintegrate into society. Methods: This study draws on concepts from the well-being and social capital literatures and refers to two separate pieces of research: Study 1 was based on general environmental volunteering primarily in northern England and southern Scotland; and Study 2 focused on mental health participants at Meanwhile Wildlife Garden in London. Ethnographic and interview data were gathered from participants as a means to understand the benefits...
BMJ, 2005
genome sequences between dogs, horses, cats, and humans is well advanced, 6 7 with progress also ... more genome sequences between dogs, horses, cats, and humans is well advanced, 6 7 with progress also in pigs, cattle, and sheep. Dogs combine exceptional phenotypic diversity, exemplified by breed differences in size and lifespan, with a relatively uniform genotype. Among some 370 canine genetic disorders, about half have exact human analogues. 8 They generally resemble the human disease more closely than do rodent models, reflecting closer evolutionary kinship and DNA sequence identity. 9 The National Human Genome Research Institute regards the canine genome as a key research priority. Molecular genetics adds new dimensions to comparative studiesidentification of novel disease genes, new disease models, new molecular targets for drugs, evaluation of gene therapy, and elucidation of genotypic variation in therapeutic responses. Comparative medicine emerged from the realisation that humans and animals shared similar cellular structures and mechanisms and faced challenges from similar microorganisms. But disease models were just that; resemblances between diseases. Now molecular science can show identical receptors, mediators, and James Herriot-the popular vet from the television series All Creatures Great and Small COPYRIGHT BBC Editorials See Papers p 1231
therapeutic communities, 2008
... By using metaphors taken from the environmental background, ecotherapy seeks to underscore th... more ... By using metaphors taken from the environmental background, ecotherapy seeks to underscore the 'auto-corrective ... seeking nature'is the main goal for all those involved in using it. ... Roszak, T., Gomes, M. and Kanner, AD (eds.)(1995) Ecopsychology: restoring the earth, healing ...
Journal of Mediterranean Ecology, 2007
International journal of evidence based coaching and mentoring, 2014
This paper presents findings from a proof of concept pilot study that explored the usefulness of ... more This paper presents findings from a proof of concept pilot study that explored the usefulness of a new Salutogenic model in coaching practice. The model aligns with the positive mindset inculcated in coaching, health, and wellbeing initiatives, and was developed and tested by three coaches who work in executive coaching, eco-coaching and life coaching. The study enabled the study coaches to test whether the Salutogenic model could contribute to the wellbeing of the study coachees, and was generic enough to be of use in different coaching areas of expertise. In order to ascertain this the study coaches ran a triangulated study, using not only the three areas of coaching expertise but also multiple sources of data collection and both individual and team coaching; all of which implies robustness of the study findings. The model was developed and refined through reflective iterative cycles, during which the study coaches identified ways the model could be used in practice. The model pro...
JPMH, 2021
Purpose-Drawing on experience of working in the area of mental health and the environment, key is... more Purpose-Drawing on experience of working in the area of mental health and the environment, key issues are examined, and the theoretical framework is explained, including the benefits to communities and to the local environment of working with nature. Design/methodology/approach-The interview gave an opportunity for development of ideas underlying concepts including the natural health service, green health literacy and changes in behaviour during the pandemic. Findings-The ways in which people and the environment benefit from interaction with nature are becoming well understood; in a sustainable model, the value of the local environment is appreciated and will benefit from the care of those involved in relevant activities. There is a need for targeted training for health professionals, environment agencies' staff and the voluntary sectors. Research limitations/implications-The economic value of nature as a contributing factor in to mental health is an area for research which could have major influence in policymaking. A meeting of a number of disciplines could further bring together social capital, health economics and ecology. Practical implications-Projects that are sustainable in every sense are those which are long term, whose value can be measured in environmental and economic terms. Social implications-Working models have been developed that involve people on the fringes of society and people with disabilities; they often become the movers in local organisations. Originality/value-This is an extremely wide-ranging assessment of developments in the relationship between mental health and nature.
Purpose-Drawing on experience of working in the area of mental health and the environment, key is... more Purpose-Drawing on experience of working in the area of mental health and the environment, key issues are examined, and the theoretical framework is explained, including the benefits to communities and to the local environment of working with nature. Design/methodology/approach-The interview gave an opportunity for development of ideas underlying concepts including the natural health service, green health literacy and changes in behaviour during the pandemic. Findings-The ways in which people and the environment benefit from interaction with nature are becoming well understood; in a sustainable model, the value of the local environment is appreciated and will benefit from the care of those involved in relevant activities. There is a need for targeted training for health professionals, environment agencies' staff and the voluntary sectors. Research limitations/implications-The economic value of nature as a contributing factor in to mental health is an area for research which could have major influence in policymaking. A meeting of a number of disciplines could further bring together social capital, health economics and ecology. Practical implications-Projects that are sustainable in every sense are those which are long term, whose value can be measured in environmental and economic terms. Social implications-Working models have been developed that involve people on the fringes of society and people with disabilities; they often become the movers in local organisations. Originality/value-This is an extremely wide-ranging assessment of developments in the relationship between mental health and nature.
The Routledge Handbook of Urban Ecology, 2008
Mental Health Review Journal, 2005
Primary Health Care Research and Development, 2004
ABSTRACT
Formal and informal education and learning in woodlands and green spaces can play an important ro... more Formal and informal education and learning in woodlands and green spaces can play an important role in contributing to people's health and well-being. Two mechanisms are outlined which might explain this: (1) through general exposure
This paper presents findings from a proof of concept pilot study that explored the usefulness of ... more This paper presents findings from a proof of concept pilot study that explored the usefulness of a new Salutogenic model in coaching practice. The model aligns with the positive mindset inculcated in coaching, health, and wellbeing initiatives, and was developed and tested by three coaches who work in executive coaching, eco-coaching and life coaching. The study enabled the study coaches to test whether the Salutogenic model could contribute to the wellbeing of the study coachees, and was generic enough to be of use in different coaching areas of expertise. In order to ascertain this the study coaches ran a triangulated study, using not only the three areas of coaching expertise but also multiple sources of data collection and both individual and team coaching; all of which implies robustness of the study findings. The model was developed and refined through reflective iterative cycles, during which the study coaches identified ways the model could be used in practice. The model proved to be adaptable for use by each of the study coaches, and produced positive outcomes for the study coachees.
There are numerous green spaces designated as 'therapeutic' in Europe and the UK (healing gardens... more There are numerous green spaces designated as 'therapeutic' in Europe and the UK (healing gardens, care farms, ecotherapeutic projects). This perspective veers people into a vision of these spaces as having a specific and possibly 'medicalised', single function. By so doing this reduces or limits the potential multi-functionality inherent in these 'special' green spaces. Much more creative scope exists to broaden the functional perspective of therapeutic green spaces, based on synthesising their intrinsic parallel uses. Further exploration of these uses leads to synergies and connections with: