Just what the doctor ordered: five novel social prescribing projects
5. Forest bathing A scheme that has been joined by a recent surge of ‘green social prescribing’ projects, Branching OutSince 2007, it has been repeated every year. Forestry Commission Scotland manages the project and participants include adults with mental challenges. You can participate in activities such as tai-chi, health walks, bird box constructions, lighting fires, building […]
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How your favourite tipple could help remove CO2 and boost biodiversity
‘Climatarianism’ may be the latest thinking for planet-conscious diners, but what about when it comes to drinks? These spirit brands are focused on nature, climate, and pollinators What are you drinking? This is a simple question. But I’m clinking through my booze cupboard – three types of whisky, two half-drunk bottles of gin, a cheap […]
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‘They turn up in the rain’: the men who walk together for mental health
Suicide is the number one killer of men aged 46 and under in the UK. Men are starting to walk with their friends to combat the stigma surrounding poor mental health, and to offer support to those who are most vulnerable. “A while back, after a traumatic incident, I realised that I was not coping, […]
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What went right: a new approach to drugs, plus more positive news
The UK approved its very first drug testing service Drugs. They are a major threat to the west. The west has been fighting an ongoing war against them for decades without much success. The UK provided another sign this week that a new approach is being developed, one that emphasizes harm reduction over criminality. In […]
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Heard the one about comedy helping people to recover from trauma?
Angie Belcher, comedian has developed a course of prescription comedy to help people recover after trauma. It’s been so well received, that it will now be offered to people at risk of suicide You’re on stage. You have the mic in your hand. The audience is looking, waiting. You’re the main act, but your mind […]
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Sustainable investing: ‘People moving money could lead to huge change’
Duncan Grierson, founder of sustainable investing platform Clim8, is on a mission to fix the ‘dysfunctional’ world of ethical investing. Positive News asks: How? So, you have a little savings pot – or even quite a big one. You want your money to be used not only for you but also for the environment. Where […]
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Mental Health Awareness Week: 17 ideas that are boosting wellbeing
11. Climate cafes “It’s hard to talk about climate change because climate change hurts.” But not talking about it? Well, that’s worse. At least that’s according to Rebecca Nestor of the Climate Psychology Alliance, an organisation that explores the psychological impact of global heating. Nestor started a series meetings in Oxford to encourage people to […]
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Midwives launch not-for-profit ‘trying to conceive’ kit – FFA
A group of midwives hope to boost people’s chances of conceiving, by launching a free hub that breaks down the science of conception An estimated 3,000,000 people in the UK try and conceive each year. Around a third of these couples fall pregnant within the first month. The rate rises to 80 percent after the […]
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What would happen if the insurance industry stopped underwriting fossil fuel projects?
The financial and insurance industries have a lot of power to help us move towards a more sustainable future. What if billions of pounds invested in and underwritten fossil fuel projects dried up? With a budget close to £8bn, the controversial expansion of Canada’s 700-mile Trans Mountain oil pipeline was always going to be a […]
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How much sleep do we need for optimal performance (and how to get it)
How much sleep is necessary to be alert and healthy? Four neuroscientists reveal the findings of their research Most of us struggle to think well after a poor night’s sleep – feeling foggy and failing to perform at our usual standard at school, university or work. You may notice that you’re not concentrating as well, […]
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