Speakers

Lucy Austen is a Clinical Lead Occupational Therapist with Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust and has over 20 years of experience in neurological rehabilitation. Passionate about innovative, person-centred practice, she has pioneered the integration of virtual reality and nature-based approaches within community stroke rehabilitation to enhance engagement, wellbeing, and functional recovery. Alongside her NHS role, she co-founded Nature4Neuro, an outdoor neurorehabilitation programme that combines occupational therapy, nature connection, regenerative agriculture, and trauma-informed practice to support people living with neurological conditions. She is a certified Advanced Wilderness Therapeutic Practitioner, a qualified Lowland Walking Leader, and is committed to making the outdoors accessible for everyone. She also volunteers with Wakehurst's Nature Connection and Community Access programme, leads local Heart Smart walks, and serves on the South Downs National Park Local Access Forum, advocating for inclusive access to nature. Her work reflects a deep belief in the therapeutic potential of both technology and the natural environment to transform rehabilitation and improve quality of life.