Blog: A bunch of blokes having a chat over a brew

Rebecca Reynolds, Head of Education, Conservation and Research, shares the healing benefits of a wellbeing programme at Blackpool Zoo:

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity” (WHO 1948). In 2013 the WHO acknowledged that health settings should embody the benefits associated with green space and nature to help wellbeing (Nguyen, et al 2021). Green spaces have long been considered to have positive outcomes; to be calming, to be healing, and to lift spirits. As long ago as 490 BC, Hippocrates, considered to be the father of modern medicine, ensured his hospital had a garden and prescribed forest walks to help patients heal.

Hospitals in Roman times were built in fields surrounded by nature. Thoreau, a philosopher in the early 1800s claimed illness struck when people were away from nature. Fast forward to the 20th century, research from Kaplan and Ulrich began to record the positive impact of nature on children's and adults’ health (Middleton and Astell-Burt, 2023). In 2021 the WHO reported that governments now have a “moral obligation” to promote well-being strategies, tackling physical and mental health conditions in union and valuing the benefits of human, animal, and natural environment connection.

Over recent years Blackpool Zoo has been hosting well-being programmes; tailor-made bespoke learning experiences that combine the park's green space with animal care. Our connection to nature research, along with qualitative participant observations, indicate that time spent involved in one of these programmes has a positive effect on individuals.  For the most part, these programmes have been designed for children and students. Considering this, we felt it was time to offer a well-being programme to a different demographic. So, on International Men’s Day, we invited a “bunch of blokes who meet and have a chat over a brew” (ANDYSMANCLUB, 2022) to spend the day with us.

“The blokes” were members of ANDYSMANCLUB a men’s suicide prevention charity that offers free support groups across the UK. They promise to support #ThatOneMan in his time of need, they aim to eliminate the stigma surrounding men’s mental health and create a space for conversation where #ITSOKAYTOTALK.

Our aim was for the group to have a great day. We hoped they would feel good, immerse themselves in the zoo setting, and enjoy conversation in an accepting environment. Throughout the day we referred to the individuals using their pseudonyms, an animal of their choice, to maintain their anonymity. The day began early and despite the wet weather the group confronted their tasks with humour and enthusiasm.

We observed body language, interactions, involvement in tasks, and empathy with the animals. Quickly adopting their new titles, the recorded observations included “blue whale, chimpanzee, and python joking with elephant” amongst others. We noted the reason individuals wished to take part in the day and along with “liking animals” and “wanting to help with research” additional information included:

• helping with fear of social anxiety
• to stop worrying about problems
• help self-esteem
• see if animals affect mental health
• to understand myself a little more

As the day progressed the zoo team noticed a shift in the mood and tone. Apprehensive at first the group relaxed, laughed, shared, interacted, and talked. Their response was as we had hoped:

• It was great to be out of my comfort zone
• Would love to do it again
• Great getting all the guys down here and seeing them light up, it’s good to see them having fun
• Being with animals counteracts the anxiety coming out in a social environment
• Nice to have social interaction and get to know people better in a lovely environment
• Can see it in their faces that they are happy.
• Not surprising but they will walk away with a serotonin boost.
• Fantastic and unforgettable experience
• Hope it becomes a regular thing

So, a “bunch of blokes having a chat over a brew” (ANDYSMANCLUB, 2022) became Chimpanzee, Dog, Blue Whale, Lion, et al, having a chat whilst caring for animals.

For the short time these amazing “blokes” were with us we believed the zoo became a health setting; sharing the calming, healing benefits associated with animals and nature and lifting spirits.

We intend to increase our well-being programmes. We will continue to promote the positive outcomes of spending time in a zoo environment, and we will research and contribute to the increasing body of scholarship that indicates contact with nature is health-promoting.

If you would like more information or to get involved in any of our programmes, then please get in touch.

- Rebecca Reynolds, Head of Education, Conservation and Research, Blackpool Zoo

References

Andys Man Club (2022, February 1). #ITSOKAYTOTALK. ANDYSMANCLUB. Retrieved January 12, 2022, from https://andysmanclub.co.uk/.

Middleton, R. and Astell-Burt, T. (2023), Nurses and nature; Does green space make a difference? J Clin Nurs, 32: 4214-4216. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocn.16697

Nguyen, P.  Y., Astell-Burt, T., Rahimi-Ardabili,  H.,  &  Feng,  X.  (2021). Green space quality and health: A systematic review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(21). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182111028

WHO (1948) Constitution of the World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/about/accountability/governance/constitution

WHO (2021) Towards developing WHO’s agenda on well-being https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240039384.

All blogs reflect the views of their author and are not necessarily a reflection of BIAZA's positions