Four Thought

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Series of thought-provoking talks on topics that affect culture and society.

Series of thought-provoking talks in which the speakers air their thinking on the trends, ideas, interests and passions that affect culture and society

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Four Thought: Cities made for our mental health

Cities made for our mental health

BBC Radio 4 - Four Thought, Cities made for our mental health

Psychiatrist Dr Layla McCay asks how our buildings and towns can benefit our mental health

Psychiatrist Dr Layla McCay asks how buildings and towns affect our minds. How plants and water can reduce the risk of anxiety and depression and how we can tackle loneliness.

Dr Layla McCay asks us to think again about how our buildings and towns can both benefit and harm our mental health.
As a trained psychiatrist and head of the Centre for Urban Design she has brought together the research around this topic for the first time.

Looking at how plants and water can reduce the risk of psychosis and ‘bumping’ places, where people can casually meet to form connections and potentially ease depression.

Layla’s work as the Director of the NHS Confederation has convinced her of the importance of design and physical health but also how little attention has been paid to it’s impact on the mind. 

She says the concept of ‘restorative cities’ - those that help heal or calm the mind are what we should be aiming for. Designing places that help counter loneliness, improve connections and keep depression at bay. Post Pandemic can we redesign our surroundings to support a happier and healthier life?
 
 
Presenter Olly Mann
Producer- Jordan Dunbar
Editor- Tara McDermott

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Four Thought

Cities made for our mental health

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