Hosted by the Mental Health Foundation, Mental Health Awareness Week 2021 will take place Monday 10th May to Sunday 16th May 2021. The theme this year is Nature. Why nature?
Taken from the Mental Health Foundation website-
“Nature is so central to our psychological and emotional health, that it’s almost impossible to realise good mental health for all without a greater connection to the natural world. For most of human history, we lived as part of nature. It is only in the last five generations that so many of us have lived and worked in a context that is largely separated from nature. And it is only since a 1960s study in the US found that patients who were treated in hospitals with a view of nature recovered faster, that science has started to unpack the extraordinary health benefits.
During Mental Health Awareness Week 2021, we will pull together the evidence that demonstrates the powerful benefits of nature for our mental health. We will look at nature’s unique ability to not only bring consolation in times of stress, but also increase our creativity, empathy and a sense of wonder. It turns out that it is not just being in nature but how we open ourselves up and interact with nature that counts. We will show that even small contacts with nature can reduce feelings of social isolation and be effective in protecting our mental health, and preventing distress”
As a result of Covid19 many more people are suffering with mental health so more people are looking for help. What is the aim of this years Mental Health Awareness week?
There are two clear aims. Firstly, to inspire more people to connect with nature in new ways, noticing the impact that this connection can have for their mental health. Secondly, to convince decision makers at all levels that access to and quality of nature is a mental health and social justice issue as well as an environmental one.
2021 is going be a huge year for nature: a new Environment Bill will go through the UK Parliament which will shape the natural world for generations to come; the UK will host the G7 nations where creating a greener future will be a key priority and a historic international UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) will be hosted in Glasgow in November.
During Mental Health Awareness Week, the Mental Health Foundation are asking you to do three things:
- Experience nature: take time to recognise and grow your connection with nature during the week. Take a moment to notice and celebrate nature in your daily life. You might be surprised by what you notice!
- Share nature: Take a photo, video or sound recording and share the connections you’ve made during the week, to inspire others. Join the discussion on how you’re connecting with nature by using the hashtags #ConnectWithNature #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek
- Talk about nature: use our tips, school packs, research and policy guides to discuss in your family, school, workplace and community how you can help encourage people to find new ways to connect with nature in your 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
Other resources: You can also find useful information on the following websites:
- Mental Health UK https://mentalhealth-uk.org/get-involved/mental-health-awareness-days/mental-health-awareness-week/ Where you can find out about planting a tulip and seed a conversation.
- Mind UK: https://www.mind.org.uk/get-involved/mental-health-awareness-week/
- Anxiety UK: https://www.anxietyuk.org.uk/products/free-resources/mental-health-awareness-week-2021/
- Mentally Healthy Schools: https://www.mentallyhealthyschools.org.uk/resources/mental-health-awareness-week-2021-toolkit/
- Every Mind: https://everymindatwork.com/mental-health-awareness-week-2021/
- Mental Health Support-Useful websites can be found at this link: https://shropshire-disability.net/mental-health-support-websites/
Samaritans: If you need someone to talk to, Call 116 123. (This number is FREE to call) Whatever you’re going through, call us free any time, from any phone on 116 123.