NiCHE

NiCHE is Deakin's Nature and Health Research Group from the School of Health and Social Development (Faculty of Health, Medicine, Nursing and Behavioural Sciences).

In collaboration with Parks Victoria, the Lort Smith Animal Hospital and other strategic partners, this Deakin-based team works on a broad range of research and intervention projects aimed at improving individual and community health through nature-based interventions.

Some of NiCHE's projects include:

• a literature review on the social and health benefits of contact with nature
• studies of the health and wellbeing benefits of membership of 'friends of parks' groups
• the impact of access to nature on health for inner city high-rise residents
• hands-on contact with nature for children's mental health and wellbeing
• visiting companion animal programs in an aged care facility and in an acute care hospital
• nature-based adventure therapy interventions.

NiCHE's primary partner, Parks Victoria, has stated that the partnership with Deakin is 'strong, progressive and on-going' and it facilitates collaboration with other organisations.

NiCHE's other recent research partners have included:

• Jesuit Social Services
• Royal Talbot Rehabilitation Centre
• Western Hospital
• Trust for Nature
• Barwon Health
• Forestry UK.