Profile image of Claire Henderson-Wilson

A/Prof. Claire Henderson-Wilson

STAFF PROFILE

Position

Associate Professor

Faculty

Faculty of Health

Department

School of Health & Social Dev

Campus

Melbourne Burwood Campus

Qualifications

Graduate Certificate of Higher Education, Deakin University, 2009
Doctor of Philosophy, Deakin University, 2007
Bachelor of Applied Science, Deakin University, 1999

Contact

Research interests

Housing and health

Families, environments and health

Human health benefits of contact with the natural environment

Sustainability and health 

Affiliations

IAPS (International Association for People-Environment Studies)

PHAA (Public Health Association of Australia - Ecology and Environment Special Interest Group)

PANA (People and Nature Alliance) 

Teaching interests

Family, society and health

Health and sustainability

Units taught

Unit Chair: HSH324 and HSH340

Knowledge areas

People-environment relationships

Health benefits of contact with nature

Urbanisation and sustainability

Family health and wellbeing

Expertise

Claire is involved in both completing and supervising a number of projects investigating the health benefits of contact with nature and in recent years, her research has predominantly focused on the health and wellbeing benefits of community garden participation and the role of animals in enhancing health and wellbeing.
  • Health and wellbeing

Conferences

• ‘Keeping the future in mind: Climate change and young people's mental health promotion’, presented at 24th IUHPE World Conference, May 15-19 2022, online.

'Young People’s Mental Health in a Climate Impacted Australia’ presented at Preventive Health Conference, 10-12 May 2021, online.

• ‘Campus Agriculture Projects – growing the potential for sustainability, health and transformative learning’, presented at Urban Agriculture Forum, 23rd April 2021, online.

• ‘Addressing Food Related Challenges to Promote Human and Planetary Health’, IUHPE 23rd World Conference on Health Promotion, Rotorua New Zealand, 7-11 April 2019.

• “Take it as it comes”: How Australian families make the return to co-residence work presented at Australian Institute of Family Studies Conference, Melbourne, 25-27 July 2018.

• ‘Users’ Experiences of Accessing a Children's Sensory Garden in a Health Care Centre’ presented at Australian Therapeutic Landscapes Conference, Adelaide, 13 October 2017.

•  ‘Exploring the health and wellbeing experiences in accessing nature within an urban healthcare setting’ presented at Australian Therapeutic Landscapes Conference, Adelaide, 13 October 2017.

• ‘YIMBY: Yes In My Back Yard! Profiling and modelling campus sustainability action through food research’ presented at One Health Ecohealth Congress, Melbourne, 3-7 December 2016.

• ‘Improving natural environments and human health by enhancing the delivery of environmental volunteering programs’, One Health Ecohealth Congress, Melbourne, 3-7 December 2016.

• ‘Health benefits and associated economic value of parks and park use in Australia’ presented at Parks Victoria forum, Melbourne, 12 May 2016.

Research groups

Health, Nature and Sustainability Research Group

Sustainable Health Network 

HOME 

Institute for Health Transformation - Determinants group 

Awards

ARC APAI (Industry Partners) PhD scholarship holder 2003-2006

Faculty of Health, Medicine, Nursing and Behavioural Sciences Award for Excellence 2010

Health and Social Development Award for Excellence in Service 2010


2016 Vice Chancellor’s Award for ‘Outstanding Contribution to Healthy Deakin’.

Green Impact Award – Innovation, 2018

Projects

Claire is invovled in a number of projects investigating links between health, nature and sustainability. For example, the benefits of green prescriptions; environmental workplace mental health promotion; young people’s mental health promotion in a climate changed world; Animal Assisted Interventions in university settings and the role of university community gardens in promoting health and wellbeing. 

Publications

Filter by

2024

Nature-Based Interventions for Adults with Developmental Disabilities: A Scoping Review Centering Autistic Adults

M Dennis, C Henderson-Wilson, J Watson, J Lawson

(2024), Vol. 16, pp. 1-14, Sustainability, Basel, Switzerland, C1

journal article
2023

Animal-assisted interventions in universities: a scoping review of implementation and associated outcomes

Emily Cooke, Claire Henderson-Wilson, Elyse Warner, Anthony LaMontagne

(2023), Vol. 38, pp. 1-27, Health Promotion International, Oxford, Eng., C1

journal article

Bridging the evidence gap: A review and research protocol for outdoor mental health therapies for young Australians

E Flies, A Pryor, C Henderson-Wilson, M Turner, J Roydhouse, R Patrick, M O’Shea, K Norris, A Martin, P Marsh, L Bartlett, M Azghadi, A Neil

(2023), pp. 1-20, Journal of Outdoor and Environmental Education, Berlin, Germany, C1

journal article

Minding our futures: Understanding climate-related mental wellbeing using systems science

R Patrick, S Noy, C Henderson-Wilson, J Hayward, S Allender, H Gunasiri, N Bruges, T Snell, T Capetola

(2023), Vol. 84, Health and Place, C1

journal article

Exploring Australian university students' and staff members' perspectives on an animal-assisted intervention as a health promotion initiative on campus

E Cooke, C Henderson-Wilson, E Warner, A LaMontagne

(2023), Health Promotion Journal of Australia, Australia, C1

journal article
2022

Exploring the co-benefits of environmental volunteering for human and planetary health promotion

R Patrick, C Henderson-Wilson, M Ebden

(2022), Vol. 33, pp. 57-67, Health Promotion Journal of Australia, London, England, C1

journal article

Minding environment, minding workers: environmental workers' mental health and wellbeing

Sue Noy, Rebecca Patrick, Teresa Capetola, Claire Henderson-Wilson, Jian Chin, Tony LaMontagne

(2022), pp. 1-10, Global Health Promotion, London, Eng., C1

journal article

Hope, Coping and Eco-Anxiety: Young People's Mental Health in a Climate-Impacted Australia

H Gunasiri, Y Wang, E Watkins, T Capetola, C Henderson-Wilson, R Patrick

(2022), Vol. 19, pp. 1-12, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Basel, Switzerland, C1

journal article

Bushfires, COVID-19 and Young People's Climate Action in Australia

H Gunasiri, Y Wang, T Capetola, C Henderson-Wilson, R Patrick

(2022), Vol. 19, pp. 149-153, EcoHealth, United States, C1

journal article

Exploring Implementation of Animal-Assisted Interventions as Health Promotion Initiatives on University Campuses

E Cooke, E Warner, C Henderson-Wilson

(2022), Health Promotion Practice, United States, C1

journal article

Global Benchmarking of Accessible and Inclusive Cities

C Henderson-Wilson, F Andrews, E Wilson, R Tucker

(2022), Vol. 13, pp. 42-65, Journal of Social Inclusion, Brisbane, Qld., C1

journal article

Perceived benefits of accessing a children's sensory garden in a healthcare setting

C Henderson-Wilson, A Shaw, R Weerasuriya

(2022), Vol. 46, pp. 573-576, Australian Health Review, Australia, C1

journal article

Health empowerment scripts: Simplifying social/green prescriptions

J Lawson, R Wissing, C Henderson-Wilson, T Snell, T Chambers, D McNeil, S Nuttman

(2022), Vol. 13, Frontiers in Psychology, Switzerland, C1

journal article

Informing Implementation: Perspectives from the Australian University Community Regarding an Animal Assisted Intervention

E Cooke, C Henderson-Wilson, E Warner, A LaMontagne

(2022), Vol. 12, Animals, Switzerland, C1

journal article

Planetary Health Annual Meeting 2022 Abstracts

Hasini Gunasiri, Rebecca Patrick, Tristan Snell, Rhonda Garad, Joanne Enticott, Graham Meadows, Claire Henderson-Wilson

(2022), Vol. 6, LANCET PLANETARY HEALTH, C1

journal article
2021

The feasibility of a Pet Support Program in an Australian university setting

E Cooke, C Henderson-Wilson, E Warner

(2021), Vol. 32, pp. 256-266, Health Promotion Journal of Australia, Australia, C1

journal article

Pawsitive Connections: The role of Pet Support Programs and pets on the elderly

S Cryer, C Henderson-Wilson, J Lawson

(2021), Vol. 42, Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, England, C1

journal article

Planetary health indicators for the local level: opportunities and challenges in applying the happy planet index in Victoria, Australia

R Patrick, C Henderson-Wilson, J Lawson, T Capetola, A Shaw, M Davison, A Freeman

(2021), Global Health Promotion, England, C1

journal article
2019

A systematic review of access to green spaces in healthcare facilities

R Weerasuriya, C Henderson-Wilson, M Townsend

(2019), Vol. 40, pp. 125-132, Urban forestry and urban greening, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, C1

journal article

New frontiers in community initiatives to increase vegetable consumption

S Noy, R Patrick, C Henderson-Wilson, S Nuttman, I Ryan

(2019), Vol. 30, pp. 52-61, Health Promotion Journal of Australia, Australia, C1

journal article

Accessing Green Spaces Within a Healthcare Setting: A Mixed Studies Review of Barriers and Facilitators

R Weerasuriya, C Henderson-Wilson, M Townsend

(2019), Vol. 12, pp. 119-140, Health Environments Research and Design Journal, United States, C1

journal article

Sowing social inclusion for marginalised residents of a social housing development through a community garden

Nkolika Mmako, Teresa Capetola, Claire Henderson-Wilson

(2019), Vol. 30, pp. 350-358, Health promotion journal of Australia, Chichester, Eng., C1

journal article

Human wellbeing and the health of the environment: local indicators that balance the scales

R Patrick, A Shaw, A Freeman, C Henderson-Wilson, J Lawson, M Davison, T Capetola, C Lee

(2019), Vol. 146, pp. 651-667, Social indicators research, Dordrecht, The Netherlands, C1

journal article

Accessible & Inclusive Geelong Feasibility Study

Richard Tucker, David Kelly, Patsie Frawley, Louise Johnson, Kevin Murfitt, Fiona Andrews, Andrew Brown, Claire Henderson-Wilson, Ursula De Jong, Valerie Watchorn, Alexandra Gartrell, Kathryn Aedy, Susan Ang, Susan Balandin, Catherine Bennett, Danielle Hitch, David Jones, Erin Wilson

(2019), Geelong, Vic, A6

research report/technical paper
2018

The cost of sustainability in higher education: staff and student views of a campus food culture

A Shaw, T Capetola, J Lawson, C Henderson-Wilson, B Murphy

(2018), Vol. 19, pp. 376-392, International journal of sustainability in higher education, Bingley, Eng., C1

journal article

Young Australian adults re-launching from home: it's time to move on

Elyse Warner, Claire Henderson-Wilson, Fiona Andrews

(2018), Vol. 47, pp. 25-41, Family and consumer sciences research journal, London, Eng., C1

journal article
2017

Greening the city: the health evidence of urban nature

M Townsend, C Henderson-Wilson

(2017), pp. 375-394, Healthy cities: the theory, policy, and practice of value-based urban planning, New York, N.Y., B1-1

book chapter

'You just accept': Australian parents' and young adults' feelings towards returning to coresidence

E Warner, C Henderson-Wilson, F Andrews

(2017), Vol. 6, pp. 411-426, Families, Relationships and Societies, C1

journal article

"It's give and take": Australian families' experiences of negotiating financial and domestic contributions when young adults return home

E Warner, C Henderson-Wilson, F Andrews

(2017), Vol. 38, pp. 541-555, Journal of family and economic issues, New York, N.Y., C1

journal article

Perceived health benefits and willingness to pay for parks by park users: Quantitative and qualitative research

C Henderson-Wilson, K Sia, J Veitch, P Staiger, P Davidson, P Nicholls

(2017), Vol. 14, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Switzerland, C1

journal article
2016

Healthy parks, healthy people: evidence from Australia

M Townsend, C Henderson-Wilson

(2016), pp. 89-99, Green Exercise: Linking Nature, Health and Well-Being, Abingdon, Eng., B1-1

book chapter

Urbanisation, climate change and health equity: how can health promotion contribute?

R Patrick, S Noy, C Henderson-Wilson

(2016), Vol. 54, pp. 34-49, International journal of health promotion and education, London, Eng., C1

journal article

Exploring the health and well-being experiences in accessing gardens within a health care setting in Australia: the preliminary findings

R Weerasuriya, M Townsend, C Henderson-Wilson, S Wells

(2016), Vol. 1121, pp. 59-6, ISHS 2016 : Horticulture and Human Communities : Proceedings of the People Plan Symposium, Chania, Crete, E1-1

conference
2015

Challenges in the family: problematic substance use and sibling relationships

L Incerti, C Henderson-Wilson, M Dunn

(2015), Vol. 96, pp. 29-38, Family matters, Melbourne, Australia, C1

journal article

Exploring ecosystems and health by shifting to a regional focus: perspectives from the Oceania EcoHealth Chapter

J Kingsley, R Patrick, P Horwitz, M Parkes, A Jenkins, C Massy, C Henderson-Wilson, K Arabena

(2015), Vol. 12, pp. 12706-12722, International journal of environmental research and public health, Basel, Switzerland, C1

journal article
2013

Developing an exploratory framework linking Australian Aboriginal peoples' connection to country and concepts of wellbeing

J Kingsley, M Townsend, C Henderson-Wilson, B Bolam

(2013), Vol. 10, pp. 678-698, International journal of environmental research and public health, Basel, Switzerland, C1

journal article
2012

Everyone's life is so different : the experiences of young Australian adults who return home

E Warner, C Henderson-Wilson, F Andrews

(2012), Vol. 31, pp. 28-34, Youth studies Australia, Hobart, Tas., C1

journal article

Parenting and place : pilot study exploring experiences of women from inner and outer Melbourne suburbs

F Andrews, C Henderson-Wilson, M Townsend

(2012), pp. 1-11, 5th Health Citites : Working Together to Achieve Liveable Cities : Book of Proceedings 2012, Geelong, Vic., E1

conference
2010

Sustainable high-rise developments : factors impacting on residents' health and well-being

C Henderson-Wilson

(2010), pp. 59-72, Environment, health, and sustainable development, Toronto, Ont., B1

book chapter

Using a qualitative approach to research to build trust between a non-Aboriginal researcher and Aboriginal participants (Australia)

J Kingsley, R Phillips, M Townsend, C Henderson-Wilson

(2010), Vol. 10, pp. 2-12, Qualitative research journal, Melbourne, Vic., C1

journal article
2009

Inner city high-rise living: A catalyst for social exclusion and social connectedness?

C Henderson-Wilson

(2009), pp. 68-77, Theorising Social Exclusion, B1-1

book chapter

Cultivating health and wellbeing : members' perceptions of the health benefits of a Port Melbourne community garden

J Kingsley, M Townsend, C Henderson-Wilson

(2009), Vol. 28, pp. 207-219, Leisure studies, London, England, C1

journal article

Investigating health, economic and socio-political factors that need consideration when establishing Victorian Aboriginal land management projects

J Kingsley, D Aldous, M Townsend, R Phillips, C Henderson-Wilson

(2009), Vol. 16, pp. 113-123, Australasian journal of environmental management, Melbourne, Vic., C1

journal article

Rediscovering nature in everyday settings : or how to create healthy environments and healthy people

C Maller, C Henderson-Wilson, M Townsend

(2009), Vol. 6, pp. 553-556, EcoHealth, New York, N. Y., C1-1

journal article

Flying the coop : why is the move out of home proving unsustainable?

E Warner, C Henderson-Wilson, F Andrews

(2009), pp. 1-14, Proceedings of the 4th Australasian Housing Researchers' Conference 2009, Sydney, N.S.W., E1-1

conference
2008

Inner city high-rise living : a catalyst for social exclusion and social connectedness?

C Henderson-Wilson

(2008), pp. 1-13, Proceedings of the 3rd Annual Australasian Housing Researchers’ Conference, Melbourne, Vic., E1-1

conference

Funded Projects at Deakin

Other Public Sector Funding

Community planning and capacity building on the Richmond Public Housing Estate

Dr Lisa Gibbs, A/Prof Claire Henderson-Wilson, Prof Elizabeth Waters

City of Yarra Grant - Research

  • 2007: $25,000

Contribution of Public Land to Melbourne's Liveability

A/Prof Mardie Townsend, A/Prof Claire Henderson-Wilson

VEAC Grant - Bill Borthwick Scholarship

  • 2009: $5,005

Delacombe evidence base and case for change

A/Prof Mardie Townsend, A/Prof Claire Henderson-Wilson

Enterprising Communities

  • 2010: $6,000

Healthy Parks, Healthy People 3rd Edition

A/Prof Mardie Townsend, A/Prof Claire Henderson-Wilson

Parks Victoria Grant - Research

  • 2015: $389
  • 2014: $19,276

Integrated Environmental Volunteering Initiative

Mr Matthew Ebden, A/Prof Mardie Townsend, Dr Rebecca Patrick, A/Prof Claire Henderson-Wilson, Dr Lynne McLoughlin

NSW Government Office of Environment and Heritage

  • 2017: $52,917
  • 2015: $105,834

Evaluation of gardens at the Queen Elizabeth Centre

A/Prof Claire Henderson-Wilson, Ms Rona Weerasuriya, A/Prof Mardie Townsend

Queen Elizabeth Centre

  • 2017: $11,939
  • 2016: $10,000

Helping communities to be healthy in a climate impacted world

A/Prof Claire Henderson-Wilson

The State Library of Victoria

  • 2022: $1,500
  • 2021: $8,500

Industry and Other Funding

Evaluation of Out Doors Inc Programs

A/Prof Claire Henderson-Wilson, A/Prof Mardie Townsend

Out Doors Inc

  • 2013: $32,823

Increase consumption and sales by developing community awareness and benefits of vegetables (scoping study)

Dr Rebecca Patrick, A/Prof Claire Henderson-Wilson

Horticulture Innovation Australia

  • 2017: $79,500

Supervisions

Principal Supervisor
2023

Emily Cooke

Thesis entitled: An Animal-Assisted Intervention in an Australian University

Doctor of Philosophy (Health & Social Development), School of Health and Social Development

2016

Ronamali Weerasuriya

Thesis entitled: Exploring users' health experiences in hospital gardens

Doctor of Philosophy (Health & Social Development), School of Health and Social Development

2015

Christopher Reed

Thesis entitled: The origins, development and perceived effectiveness of horticulture-based therapy programs in Victoria

Doctor of Philosophy (Health & Social Development), School of Health and Social Development

2014

Elyse Fay Warner

Thesis entitled: Returning to co-residence: The experiences of young adults and parents

Doctor of Philosophy (Health & Social Development), School of Health and Social Development

Associate Supervisor
2015

Jonathan Yotti Kingsley

Thesis entitled: If the land is healthy ... it makes the people healthy

Doctor of Philosophy (Health & Social Development), School of Health and Social Development