Getting down to earth: Finding a place for nature in social work practice

Abstract

Heinsch M. Getting down to earth: Finding a place for nature in social work practice According to Wilson's biophilia hypothesis, people have an innate need to associate with the natural world, and this connection can enhance their physical and psychological well‐being. This hypothesis has sparked an interest in the health benefits of human connection with non‐human nature across a wide range of disciplines backed by evidence of the role of the natural environment in enhancing human well‐being. This article summarises the literature on the health benefits of nature, arguing for the application and positive impact of a nature‐based approach in social work. It challenges practitioners to recognise and articulate the role of the physical environment in their day‐to‐day practice. Implications for social work are identified in recommendations for enhancing opportunities to include non‐human nature in future social work practice.

Is social work really greening? Exploring the place of sustainability and environment in social work codes of ethics

“…Although social work’s response to climate change has been slow relative to increasing scientific evidence, efforts to recognise the centrality of the natural and physical environment as a social justice issue for human health and well-being and an extension of the person-in-environment focus continue to emerge (Kemp, 2011). These developments are currently being articulated in areas of social work theory (Bell, 2012; Besthorn, 2012; Green and McDermott, 2010; Norton, 2012), practice (Heinsch, 2012), education (Besthorn and Canda, 2002; Jones, 2012) and policy (Boetto and McKinnon, 2013).…”

Ekoloji̇k Sosyal Hi̇zmet Perspekti̇fi̇nden Horti̇kültürel Terapi̇

“…Bu dengeyi korumak ve farkındalık oluşturmak, yine bu kapsamda birey ve gruplara yönelik terapötik müdahaleler gerçekleştirmek, doğal afet ve kriz zamanlarında aktif rol almak, küresel bilinç oluşturmak gibi bir takım sosyal hizmet müdahalelerini içermektedir (Coates, 2003;Ferreiara, 2010;Germain ve Gitterman, 1980;Hetherington ve Boddy, 2013). (Young, 1994 (Faver, 2013;Heinsch, 2012) Bireylerin doğa ile olumlu ilişkiler geliştirmelerinin sağlanması İnsanlar ve ekosistem arasındaki karşılıklılık ilişkisine dikkat çekilmesi ve küresel bilincin oluşturularak çevresel ve ekolojik adaletin sağlanması (Besthorn, 2012;Dominelli, 2012;Jarvis, 2013) Birey ve toplumların güçlendirilmesi (Colley, Burgin, Webb ve Bassett, 2012;McKinnon, 2013) Zihinsel, fiziksel ve sosyal sorunları olan bireylerin terapötik bahçe uygulamaları ile mevcut iyilik hallerinin güçlendirilmesi (Peeters, 2012;Weber, 2012) Doğal kaynakların sürdürülebilir kullanılmasının sağlanması (Shaw, 2011;Kemp, 2011) Dezavantajlı gruplarla çalışma potansiyeline sahip sosyal hizmet mesleğinin,…”

Will Marley come home? An exploration of the impacts of the Canterbury earthquakes on people’s relationships with their companion animals

“…In Western culture at least, animals and children are considered to have something of a natural bond (Evans & Gray, 2012;Heinsch, 2012;Melson & Fine, 2006). This is evidenced in the vast array of toys, characters in books, television programmes, movies, computer games and imprints on clothing that are designed to represent countless animals such as bears, rabbits and dogs (Evans & Gray, 2012).…”

“…Some authors have noted that animal-related activities often times bring people closer to 'nature'. An association with nature, in the form of backyards, parks, trees, beaches and communal spaces can also have a positive impact on both animal and human wellbeing (Heinsch, 2012) and for this reason ought to be a focus of re-building a city or region. A focus on re-building community capacity and social capital is likely to persist for some time in Christchurch and social workers will have opportunities to proactively support initiatives that get people (and their companion animals) together.…”