From the 10th to the 16th of May, we are celebrating Mental Health Awareness Week. The Mental Health Foundation has chosen the theme ‘Nature and the Environment' for this year's campaign.
During lockdown, many of us turned to nature to experience its many mental health benefits; from exercising to gardening or simply relaxing outside.
The theme for Mental Health Awareness Week
The Foundation has chosen the theme 'Nature and the Environment’ based on findings from their research into the pandemic. They learnt that having access to nature has been one of the main ways people have supported their mental health during lockdowns. The foundation research states that 45% of people reported being in green spaces had been vital to their mental health.
The Chief Executive of the foundation, Mark Rowland said, ‘Mental Health Awareness Week 2021 will be an opportunity to open our eyes to the power of nature and ensure everyone can share in the natural world and experience the mental health benefits.’
What are the goals for Mental Health Awareness Week?
The Mental Health Foundation has two aims for this week. Firstly, they want to inspire more people to connect with nature in new ways and notice the positive impact that connecting with nature can have on their mental health.
Their second goal for the week is to convince key decision-makers that access to nature is a mental health and social justice issue, as well as an environmental one.
How you can get involved
There are a few ways to get involved with Mental Health Awareness Week. The foundation is asking people to share their own stories of how nature has supported their mental health. Whether it’s about caring for a house plant, listening to the birds, or writing a poem about your favourite nature spot, the foundation wants to read your story.
During the week, the foundation is asking people to do three small things:
Experience nature: take the time to recognise and grow your connection with nature during the week. Take a moment to notice and celebrate nature in your daily life.
Share nature: take a photo, video or sound recording of nature and share it with others to inspire them by using the nature hashtags. #ConnectWithNature #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek
Talk about nature: use the foundation's tips, school packs, research, and policy guides to discuss how you can help encourage people to find new ways to connect with nature in your local environment.
What we’re doing to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Week at Pulse Nursing at Home
During Mental Health Awareness Week, we have internal teams to step outside and take pictures of the many types of nature in their communities. We will be sharing our favourites pictures from the photography competition this week. Keep an eye on our social media channels to see some beautiful photos.
At Pulse Nursing at Home, we’re always supporting campaigns throughout the year. To keep up to date with what we're up to, follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.