Our Parents and Friends Association invites families to an evening with Professor Julia Rucklidge, who will speak about The power of nutrition for mental wellness. 

This event is suitable for parents with children of all ages, and students in Year 9 and above. The event is being held at Christ's College, in the Assembly Hall. 

Porfessor Rucklidge will provide practical advice on nutrition for mental wellness, and will also discuss how nutrition helps build resilience and wellness, and the impact of Ultra Processed Foods and how to recognise them. 

About Professor Julia Rucklidge
Professor Rucklidge is a clinical psychologist, and the Director of Te Puna Toiora, the Mental Health and Nutrition Research Lab at the University of Canterbury. Originally from Toronto, Canada, she is internationally renowned for her research and clinical trials on nutrients and mental illnesses, from ADHD to irritability in teens, to antenatal depression.

Professor Rucklidge has become well-known for her ability to succinctly communicate the latest research relating to nutrition and mental wellbeing. She has conducted hundreds of global public talks with close to 200 publications.  Notable achievements include co-authoring "The Better Brain," a TEDx talk with over 5 million views, a free online course through EdX on Mental Health and Nutrition taken by close to 100,000 students, and receiving awards like University of Canterbury Innovation Medal 2024, the Ballin Award from the NZ Psychological Society for her contributions to clinical psychology, Fellow of Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine, a Braveheart Award for making Christchurch a better place to live, and being named three times as one of New Zealand's top 100 influential women. Julia is passionate about advocating that a good nutritional foundation is essential for helping people prevent and recover from mental health challenges.