Charlotte Osborn-Forde, CEO of The National Academy of Social Prescribing

Charlotte Osborn-Forde is the Chief Executive Officer at the National Academy for Social Prescribing, a charity commissioned by Government to advance social prescribing through development of innovation, best practice, evidence, new investment models and better awareness. The Academy works closely in partnership with a wide range of organisations across diverse sectors including the arts, physical activity, heritage, the natural environment and community services, and leads an international network of partners in 30 countries developing social prescribing including a large ‘evidence collaborative’ of researchers.  

Charlotte has worked in the charity sector for 20 years, in a range of management, leadership and Board roles, including volunteer development, inclusion and mental health. Her work has a strong focus on addressing health inequalities and reaching out to people and communities experiencing disadvantage, poverty and trauma, and integrating community services with the NHS. Charlotte is a lecturer at Kent and Medway Medical School in social prescribing and an advisor to various national and international organisations interested in social prescribing. 

Dr Amir Khan, NHS General Practitioner GP, author, presenter and Vice President of The Wildlife Trusts

Dr Amir Khan's enthusiasm captivates you through the screen, and it's no wonder that he's become a firm favourite with the public following his appearance on Channel 5's GPs Behind Closed Doors. He's gone on to cement himself as daytime TV's go-to GP as a regular on Lorraine and Good Morning Britain. His passion for the natural world is infectious. He has been an advocate for green prescribing for a number of years, knowing the benefit the natural world has for people, particularly their mental health and well-being. 

Dr Amir Khan says: "The natural world has something for everyone. And it has an incredible effect on us all. We've seen from studies that exposure to green spaces, from vast, undeveloped landscapes to urban parks and street greenery, lowers the body's stress hormone cortisol. We know that children and young people who have access are more creative and imaginative. It has been a pleasure working with The Wildlife Trusts, and I'm so proud to be able to give something back by becoming a Vice President. They have been pioneers in championing nature for health and well-being, from nature-friendly schools to the annual nature challenge 30 Days Wild. There really is something for everyone with The Wildlife Trusts!"

Cathy Slater, Head of Community Engagement at Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust

With over 25 years experience working in the environment sector Cathy holds a particular interest in urban nature and supporting communities to access and connect with nature. As Head of Community Engagement at Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust Cathy has developed and managed multiple community based projects to enhance natural greenspace and increase nature connection, including development of Green Social Prescribing service ‘Wild at Heart’. Most recently Cathy worked as part of the Task Group leading delivery of the South Yorkshire Green Prescribing Test and Learn Programme, including Chairing a ‘Green Network’ of Green Social Prescribing practitioners developing and promoting best practice.

Dom Higgins, Head of Health and Education at The Wildlife Trusts

Dom Higgins is Head of Health and Education at The Wildlife Trusts and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Public Health. For the past 20 years or so, he has worked to integrate nature into education, the health service and people’s everyday lives.  

Prior to joining The Wildlife Trusts, he was Director of External Affairs at TCV, where he led on the development of Green Gyms. He has also worked in the Department for Education and internationally, developing environmental and community-based partnerships with organisations in South America, West Africa, East and Central Asia.  He chairs Wildlife and Countryside Link’s Nature and Wellbeing Strategy Group, sits on Cambridge OCR’s advisory board and the Department for Education’s ‘Climate Ambassadors Programme’ steering group.