Exploring how interacting with wood can improve mental wellbeing. Helen Needham heads to a London workshop. From 2023.
Anxiety is the most common form of mental illness in the UK, with nearly a fifth of people experiencing it over the course of a year.
Although it is often treated through medication, there are many alternative ways which are proving to be very effective in reducing anxiety amongst some people.
This series explores how connecting with the elemental forces of nature helps people with a range of mental illnesses to feel better.
We also learn about the current academic research behind these methods.
Join us at the Woodwork for Wellbeing Workshop in Bethnal Green, London.
Every week, people with mental health issues spend time making things with wood. They find it to be very therapeutic and fun.
Professor Miles Richardson of the University of Derby shares research from Japan which shows that simply touching wood is calming.
Produced and presented by Helen Needham.
Research by Anna Miles and Maud Start
Original Music by Anthony Cowie
Mixed by Ron McCaskill
A BBC Scotland production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in July 2023.
On radio
Broadcasts
Tue 11 Jul 202309:30BBC Radio 4- Tue 10 Oct 202313:45BBC Radio 4
- Tue 30 Dec 202513:45BBC Radio 4 FM
- Tue 20 Oct 202609:30BBC Radio 4 Extra
