Improve mental health and wellbeing with nature on the Yorkshire Coast
Hull and East Yorkshire Mind are asking people to connect with nature and the environment ahead of Mental Health Awareness Week next week.
Hull and East Yorkshire Mind are asking people to connect with nature and the environment ahead of Mental Health Awareness Week next week.
The week, which is from Monday 10th May to Sunday 16th May, is aimed at helping to improve people's mental health and wellbeing.
The charity says Mental Health Awareness Week is open to everyone. It is all about starting conversations about mental health and the things in our daily lives that can affect it. It says that this year they want as many people as possible – individuals, communities and governments – to think about connecting with nature and how nature can improve mental health.
It says being in nature is known to be an effective way of improving mental health and protecting wellbeing. The theme seemed particularly important this year, in the year of the current Covid-19 pandemic.
Research by the Mental Health Foundation shows that being in nature has been one of the most popular ways the public have tried to sustain good mental health at a challenging time. Their hope is that by growing awareness of the importance of nature to good mental health, more people will be able to enjoy the benefits that it can bring.
The charities have created a FREE downloadable pack available from their website. The pack includes information on how nature can improve our mental health, local organisations and initatives that can help, as well as information on how to have those all-important conversations about mental health.
Jack Moore from Hull and East Yorkshire Mind and North East Lincolnshire Mind said:
“Nature is something that is all around us and we know that it can be really helpful in supporting good mental health. This Mental Health Awareness Week, we want people to get involved, connect with nature both inside and outside the home, and have those all-important conversations about mental health. ”
“The Week is an opportunity for people to talk about all aspects of mental health, with a focus on providing help and advice. This year we want people to notice nature and try to make a habit of connecting to the nature every day. 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.”
For information or advice to do with your mental health, you can also contact Hull and East Yorkshire Mind 24 hours a day on 01482 240133, Freephone 0800 138 0990 or email info@heymind.org.uk. More information is also available at www.heymind.org.uk