Case study:
Shirley Gleeson,
Ecowellness Consulting

Problem​

Mental health and wellbeing is a growing problem among Irish adults due to stress, increase in technology usage, social isolation, lack of connection with nature and fragmented communities. Poorer mental health can decrease quality of life and increase social isolation and loneliness. ​

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Solution​

Ecowellness Consulting is a ‘profit for purpose’ organisation that designs, delivers and evaluates nature-based interventions to promote and enhance positive mental health. They aim to upskill mental health practitioners throughout Ireland in Nature Based Interventions to support individuals experiencing challenges with mental health. ​

Prior to establishing Ecowellness Consulting, Shirley worked as a mental health Social Worker and recognised the need for greater awareness around the benefits of nature and green spaces on well-being. ​

In 2018, Shirley applied to the Ideas Academy with the aim of refining the solution and further developing Ecowellness Consulting. Shirley is now the full time Director at Ecowellness and has four contracted staff working with the organisation. 

SEI Journey

Shirley took part in our Ideas Academy in 2018 and went on to take part in SEI’s first Action Lab in 2020. Shirley is an active member of the SEI Community and most recently has taken part in a mentorship initiative through our Community Programme in 2021.​

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Impact ​

To date, the Ecowellness team have trained over 350 professionals in nature-based interventions and are currently mentoring 30 forest therapy practitioners. ​

Over the past 7 months, nature-based interventions and Forest Therapy have gained greater awareness in the media as Ecowellness featured on the Elaine show and the BBC. Shirley continues to develop the organisation with the support of SEI and has recently adapted training workshops online.