Northumberland Labour is marking the launch of Mental Health Awareness Week, the UK’s national week to raise awareness of mental health.
This year the theme is nature and how connecting with the natural world can support good mental health.
Acting leader of Northumberland Labour Group Scott Dickinson said: “We welcome the fact that so many more people are talking about mental health.
“We’re pleased that the Mental Health Foundation, which is hosting Mental Health Awareness Week for the 21st year, is asking people to share their stories of how being close to nature has improved their mental health.
“We are so lucky to live in a beautiful county where it’s possible for most people to get out and about, just to enjoy the natural world, wildlife and the landscape. We’ve got some lovely parks, rivers, woods and beaches.
“However, it’s also important that this awareness week highlights those people who haven’t been able to access nature.
“Connecting with nature is a basic human need and, if there are people who feel they have not had access for whatever reason, we’d like to hear from them so we can find out why they haven’t been able to do this look at ways of connecting them with their natural surroundings.”
Chief executive of the Mental Health Foundation Mark Rowland said: “Mental Health Awareness Week has grown to be one of the biggest awareness weeks in the UK.
“This year the theme is on nature and its central role for our mental health. Since the beginning of the pandemic, millions of us turned to nature to help us get through lockdowns and our research shows that good mental health depends on us being able to connect with nature in some way and its power in both prevention of and recovery from poor mental health.
“During the week, we want to hear millions of people’s stories about how the natural world has supported their mental health. We also want to highlight the huge disparities between who is and who isn’t able to access nature. We want the week to explore how everyone across the UK can connect with nature and experience the mental health benefits wherever they live.”
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.
How has being in nature benefitted you and your mental health? What has stopped you being able to enjoy the natural world around you? Let Scott Dickinson know at northumberlandlabourgroup@gmail.com
Find out more about the Mental Health Foundation at www.mentalhealth.org.uk