This year’s Mental Health Awareness Week, taking place from 10 – 16 May, is following the theme of nature.
Due to the national growing awareness of the importance of nature for good mental health, this year’s awareness campaign will focus on just that.
The Mental Health Foundation is encouraging us all to notice and connect with nature by getting outside regularly and spending time in nature. Focusing on the natural world, such as when we’re out for a walk or a jog, can help us reduce stress, balance our mood and help us to feel more positive.
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. A number of events and activities will be taking place across Warrington, including:
- The council’s Creative Remedies sessions, which will focus on nature and mental health. The tutors will use music, art and photography to express their own experiences. You can watch the online sessions on the Creative Remedies’ Facebook page. The council will also be encouraging people to make use of their local parks, and to notice and connect with the natural world.
- Explore Your Mental Wealth in the Park. This event run by Warrington Speak Up, will take place on Thursday 13 May from 2pm to 9.30pm in Victoria Park. Booking is essential to ensure the event is COVID safe.
- Talking Matters Warrington will be hosting a free, 30 minute Zoom session focusing on the benefits of nature for mental health. The session will be delivered every day, at various times, between 10 and 14 May. More details are on Talking Matters Warrington’s Facebook page.
- Directions For Men is a local men’s mental health support group. The group will be posting online each day, with a focus on a new issue. Interviews with athletes and artists are also planned for the week.
Warrington’s Director of Public Health and Wellbeing, Thara Raj said: “Since the beginning of the pandemic, many of us turned to nature to help us get through lockdowns and heavy restrictions, from going on regular walks, cycling and visiting our local parks and nature reserves as the restrictions permitted.
“Research from the Mental Health Foundation suggests that being out in nature can support the prevention of and recovery from poor mental health. We encourage Warrington residents to explore and take advantage of our many local parks, walks and nature locations. Not only can residents appreciate our beautiful green spaces but also take a step toward looking after their mental wellbeing.”
If you’re struggling to cope and need support, information about a wide range of local and national mental health support services can be found at happyoksad.org.uk.
For Warrington residents needing urgent mental health support, the Mental Health Crisis Line is available 24/7 every day on 0800 051 1508.
Find out more information on Mental Health Awareness Week on mentalhealth.org.uk
