Community Health International (CHI) specialities
CHI is fortunate to work with an international network of experts. Together we share specialities that enhance opportunities for local to global connectivity, whilst aiming to empower individuals and communities, in localised resource building and action.
- Developing individual and community empowering tools and new ways of collaborating with communities for communities
- Supporting grassroots and community - led conservation of nature and wildlife, often starting from the doorstep.
- Working with an international network to enhance collaborative and international community-led research.
- Supporting the understanding and increased use of spa environments for wellbeing for all ages and individual needs.
Nature
& Wildlife
We are fortunate to work with experts in nature and
wildlife. We foster opportunities for wildlife organisations and communities to
come together in collaborative ways to support local nature and wildlife and
grassroots - led community conservation.
A key expert we work with - Beth Allgood of One Nature Institute
read more
Community
Development
CHI have extensive experience in many aspects of community development. Results of national pilot work have been presented at international community development conferences. CHI works with experts in community development in the USA and this exchange is exploring ways to support communities in both countries, as they recover from the effects of the last two years. Our team is available to help communities with a wide range of challenges through creative community development.
Spa Research
& Spa Therapies
CHI has been involved in international research into
the positive
effects of spa therapies for diverse groups, who would not easily access the spa
environment. This has included older people with arthritic conditions, children
with complex disabilities and the veteran community.
CHI will continue this aim, to support awareness raising for the wide-ranging
therapeutic benefits of the Spa environment, whilst continuing to work with the
stunning Toskana Therme and their spa therapist team.
https://www.toskanaworld.net/
Community Tools
for Empowerment
CHI have co-produced a system with communities for communities. Our system helps to connect those seeking support, local resources, information, and activities together with organisations, facilities and resources offering to meet these diverse needs. The system can be customised for a wide range of individual needs, groups, and organisations. It can become community-led and supports the sustainment of vital local resources.
International
Research
By collaborating with research experts, we exchange
information and learning from around the world. CHI can then share joined - up
thinking and information, by working with organisations and community engagement
projects. In turn, this contributes towards the vital and growing ‘movement’ of
grassroots community - led conservation and wildlife support.
Please click on the link to view our recent collaborative research paper
read
more
Veteran and
family wellbeing
Our research since 2013, has included working with
Armed Forces Veterans, to explore veteran-led and community-based approaches to
recovery and wellbeing. CHI conducted National pilot work, including a
veteran-led customisation of a local resource mapping system, nature-based
recovery and therapeutic spa environments for veterans that could extend to
their families. CHI hosted a national ‘Veteran-led Services’ conference and the
learning gained from the pilot work, is even more relevant today.
CHI are working with a USA project team, exploring balneology and medical spa
environments, for treating veterans with post-covid 19 effects and offering
potential PTSD relief.
Green Recovery
& Rehabilitation
CHI is working with local and international experts, developing new ways to enhance enjoyment of nature and wildlife, for all ages. This may lead to increased recovery and rehabilitation, for people to connect locally with nature and wildlife. It is often a first vital recovery step and especially after the last two difficult years
Farming &
Countryside Skills
Traditional farming is facing enormous change and it is increasingly important to support local and healthy food production. Using Farmers markets can help to support local food production. Our land is ever more precious, requiring responsible stewardship by everyone joining together. In addition, many traditional countryside skills are being lost to next generations. CHI are exploring a new project, together with a small organic farm in Somerset. The farm could offer residential experiences of nature and connecting to the ‘wilderness’ once again. Opportunities offered will include nature, wildlife, and traditional countryside skills. Veteran groups will be offered ‘green recovery and rehabilitation’ in a place of practicality, beauty, and peace.
Find out how we can work with you
Our Projects
The CHI team is very willing to explore collaboration with any of our projects.
We have a range of resources and expertise to share , that can be useful for possible partnership working.
If you would like to know more, we will be delighted to hear from you.
Please use the form provided and we will be delighted to connect.
get in touch
Working in Partnership...
Gallery
Helping people connect with nature and the wilderness again.
A quote from Sigrud F Olsen, an environmentalist writing 1950s -1980s, who named a place called the ‘Listening Point ‘ in the North Woods of Minnesota. “Everyone has a ‘listening point’ somewhere. It does not have to be in the north, or close to the wilderness, but some place of quiet where the universe can be contemplated with awe.” The Listening Point Foundation.
CHI hopes to help people connect / re-connect with their ‘wilderness inside and outside’
Photographs kindly supplied by Simon Duncan and Jacques Tutcher.
We are delighted to highlight the work of the Listening Point Foundation, please visit them here.
Sharing Philosophies
A quote from Sigurd F Olsen , a conservationist and writer 1940s -1980s. Amongst his great works, Sigurd helped to draft the Wilderness Act, becoming law in 1964. Much is owed to this amazing man, for maintaining the wilderness, especially in Northern Minnesota.
From his book "The Meaning of Wilderness"
"I have found that people go to the wilderness for many things, but the most important of these is perspective. They may think they go for fishing or the scenery or companionship, but in reality it is something far deeper. They go to the wilderness for the good of their souls"
Sigurd F Olsen - "The Meaning of Wilderness"Sharing Philosophies
I am happy to have the privilege to work with Community Health International and share my knowledge of community capitals, development, entrepreneurship, and well-being.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35018333/Dr. Craig Talmage, Assistant Professor of Entrepreneurial Studies at Hobart and William Smith (HWS) Colleges, Editor-in-Chief of Community Development
Nature on your doorstep
- This is one of our key projects we are developing
- We aim to help organisations and individuals providing learning, activities and resources in nature and wildlife to get connected with people, groups, families and communities who want to connect to nature and wildlife
- We will soon launch an easy to use tool to help you find out what is going on on your area and to find some free resources for your families. The tool will help you and your family to take those first steps to learn about nature and wildlife and starting on your doorstep.
- If you have an organisation, resource to add, we would love to hear from you