OAD Fellow Dominic Vertue gave a presentation at the South African Association of Social Workers in Private Practice (SAASWIPP) 2025 conference. SAASWIPP is a professional association of social workers in private practice in South Africa.
The presentation covered the role that astronomy can play in supporting mental health and well-being with adults. The session explored how experiences of awe, perspective, and connection through astronomy can provide practical tools for reflection, healing, and growth.
One participant, Annette de la Porte, shared a deeply touching reflection afterwards:
“I LOVED your presentation at the SAASWIPP conference today. When my husband turned 50, I bought him a telescope and ‘lost him to the stars’. It has been the most effective tool in his life to manage his depression. Exactly what you pointed out, I want to confirm:
– The sense of awe about creation.
– Realising the vastness of the cosmos shifts the size of your problem.
– The physical action of ‘looking up’ versus navel gazing.
In the lockdown of Covid, he arranged his ascension to heaven. When I look up at the dark night sky and tell him how he would have loved using his telescope in Yzerfontein, I sense him answering me: ‘You do not know how beautiful it looks from up here above.’ Wanted to encourage you in the pioneering work you do!”
Stories like Annette’s that remind us why this work matters.
Contact mentalhealth@astro4dev.org / dominic@astro4dev.org
