Mental Health Awareness Week

7 May, 2021 7:48 am

Organised by the Mental Health Foundation, Mental Health Awareness Week is taking place from 10 to 16 May.

Founded in 1949, the Mental Health Foundation is the UK’s leading charity for mental health.

Throughout the pandemic, millions of people across the UK have experienced a mental health problem. This week helps us to understand more about mental health, how it affects us, the different conditions and support available.

Nature

This year’s focus is on nature, as many of us have found the outdoors to be helpful in improving our wellbeing during the pandemic. 

Over the past year, we’ve seen an increase in people gardening, going on walks and exploring the outdoors – all of which have been essential for our mental health. 

Research from the Mental Health Foundation showed that going for walks outside was one of our top coping strategies, with 45% of us reporting how being in green spaces had been vital for our mental health.

During lockdowns, people have not only spent more time in nature, but have learnt to appreciate and notice it more; highlighting a fundamental need to connect with our outdoor environment.

Benefits

Bringing nature into your everyday life can have positive effects on your personal wellbeing. It can:

  • Enhance your mood
  • Reduce feelings of stress and anger
  • Help you take a break and feel relaxed
  • Improve your physical health
  • Build your confidence
  • Encourage you to be more active
  • Helps you make new connections 

Getting involved 

Support the Mental Health Foundation by taking part in half an hour of outdoor exercise each day in May. This can include anything from walking, running, jogging and skipping – and remember to appreciate the nature surrounding you.

You are also encouraged to share your experiences by taking a photo or video and joining the discussion on how you’re connecting with nature by using the hashtags #ConnectWithNature #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek.

To discover the best walks in the local Keighley area, have a read of these articles on Keighley News and Telegraph and Argus.

College activities

At Keighley College, we’ll also be celebrating Mental Health Awareness Week through a series of events. 

From 10 May, the college will have an information display in the atrium with local walks to reconnect with nature and general wellbeing support.  

Local support group, It’s Worth Talking About, will be coming into college from Monday 10 to Thursday 13 May from 11am to 2pm to offer local support and guidance.

Our college attendance and progress mentor, Alison Robinson, will be available over lunch periods to provide wellbeing support.

Student Relationships Officer, Tracey Turner, will be working with our Student Officer, Lara Duggan, to produce a student flower photo frame, so students can take selfies showing them reconnecting with nature.