CONNECTING WITH NATURE FOR MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK

The UK’s national week to raise awareness of mental health which is hosted by the Mental Health Foundation, is in its 21^st year and runs from 10-16 May.

This year, the theme for the week is ‘Nature’. Across the country, people will be celebrating the mental health benefits of being around nature in their local community in a range of digital and creative ways.

Philip Turnbull AIA Chief Executive said: “Since the beginning of the pandemic, millions of us have turned to nature to help us get through lockdowns, so it is apt that this years theme for the week is ‘Nature’.

“Research shows that good mental health depends on us being able to connect with nature, so as a supporter of the Mental Health Foundation AIA would urge everyone to take time out of their busy schedules whenever possible to connect with nature in their local environment and reap the benefits”.

Some of the ways people can participate in Mental Health Awareness Week:

• During Mental Health Awareness Week, why not try to make a habit each day of connecting to the nature in your local area? Stop to listen to the birdsong, smell the freshly cut grass, take care of a house plant, notice any trees, flowers or animals nearby. Take a moment to appreciate these connections.
• Share images/videos/or just sound recordings of the nature on your doorstep (and how this made you feel) on social media using #ConnectWithNature and #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek

Use Mental Health Foundation resources in your family, school, workplace and community to join with thousands of people who will be finding new ways to connect with nature in their local environment.

For more information about this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week visit mentalhealth.org.uk/mhaw or join the conversation on social media using #ConnectWithNature and #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek

 

“Since the beginning of the pandemic, millions of us have turned to nature to help us get through lockdowns, so it is apt that this years theme for the week is ‘Nature’.

“Research shows that good mental health depends on us being able to connect with nature, so as a supporter of the Mental Health Foundation AIA would urge everyone to take time out of their busy schedules whenever possible to connect with nature in their local environment and reap the benefits”.