Mental Health Awareness Week

Levels of awareness about common mental health problems have improved over the last few years, which is good news. But some people are living with severe mental illness, and this Mental Health Awareness Week, we want to raise awareness of that.

Mental Health Foundation is holding Mental Health Awareness Week from the 10th – 16th May and the theme is Connect with Nature.

We have all done our fair share of walking in greenspaces and enjoying the open air on our daily constitutionals whilst in lockdown but if we really think about it we have probably benefitted from this more than we realise.

As another set of restrictions lift, after the 17th May we can start to move about the country and visit some Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Check out the links below for suggestions on where to go to connect with nature

The UK’s 46 Areas of outstanding beauty interactive map

Most Scenic Drives in England

When we spend time outdoors, we use our senses to appreciate nature. We become more present and mindful and this helps to build emotional resilience and combat stress. Gardening, birdwatching and animal feeding are activities that have been proven to have a positive affect on our wellbeing and happiness. Walking through wild flower meadows, parks and by clean rivers helps reduce stress, fatigue, anxiety and depression. Connecting with nature undoubtedly has its benefits to our mental health and wellbeing.

During Mental Health Awareness Week, Mental Health Foundation are asking you to do three things:

• Experience nature: take time to recognise and grow your connection with nature during the week. Take a moment to notice and celebrate nature in your daily life. You might be surprised by what you notice!
• Share nature: Take a photo, video or sound recording and share the connections you’ve made during the week, to inspire others. Join the discussion on how you’re connecting with nature by using the hashtags #ConnectWithNature #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek
• Talk about nature: use our tips, school packs, research and policy guides to discuss in your family, school, workplace and community how you can help encourage people to find new ways to connect with nature in your local environment.

For more information about this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week or join the conversation on social media using #ConnectWithNature and #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek