Yesterday I broke a boundary. I attended a conference designed for another sector.
‘Breaking boundaries’, hosted by the The Royal College of Psychiatrists, was the first event of its kind to explore the implications of the climate and ecological emergencies. Here is a summary of how this event showed me the importance of building relationships across sectors.
Feeling welcome
I came away feeling welcome – as a Nature Based Coach who also specialises in mental health and Neurodiversity as well as leadership. And I was also able to talk about my work with The Human Nature Partnership to create nature connected organisations – and feel understood! I am grateful to the College for inviting allies like me, as well as members.
I was struck by how much common ground there is between adjacent professions – therapy, psychiatry, coaching. We must break out of our silos, and form relationships across these sectors, and more, so we are putting our combined shoulders behind our efforts to push the same rock. It’s a big rock!
The big push
Here is a small flavour of what is involved in the push:
- Abi Perrin pointed out we have transgressed 7 of 9 key planetary boundaries. We are starting to see tipping points reached. But we can change things ‘as long as we face reality, align our actions and work together’.
- Clive Dolphin from Defend Our Juries described the shocking links between business, government and law-making. And the outrageous limitations on free speech and peaceful direct action now in place.
- Caroline Hickman talked about the mental health ‘polycrisis’, and the research on ‘eco-anxiety. This clearly demonstrates the grief, guilt and shame being carried by children and young people, and their lack of trust in government. The climate and ecological crises being human rights issues involving moral injury.
- Shuo Zhang and Catriona Mellor described how college and ‘eco-CAMHS’ to bring nature connection into mental health work. This is very closely aligned with the work I do.
- Daniel Harwood– new chair of the Planetary Health & Sustainability Committee was very clear: ‘now is the time for action, action and more action.’
- And Lynne Jones (an absolute inspiration to me) shared some compelling stories of how individuals have changed the world for the better through civil disobedience. She was also kind enough to sign a copy of her book ‘This is an emergency’.
Take home message
However, the best summary of all was at the very start of the day, in the keynote from the great Satish Kumar (pictured). ’There are no boundaries, only relationships’, he said – imploring us to be courageous and optimistic, and have active hope that things can and will change.
I believe it. Do you?