This week is Mental Health Awareness Week (10 May to 14 May), which focuses on the importance of looking after our mental health and wellbeing. The theme for 2021 is nature.
During the pandemic at a time of high social isolation, many of us including our young people turned to nature to support emotional health and wellbeing. It is no surprise that being connected to nature can help reduce stress and anxiety, but also increases creativity, empathy, a sense of vitality and freedom. Research from the Mental Health Foundation showed ‘going for walks outside’ was one of the top coping strategies respondents fed back as being vital for their mental health.
We are excited to be supporting this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week following the nature theme. Our e-wellbeing and YMCA Right Here youth ambassadors, staff and advocates will be spending more time outdoors and sharing images on their social media to encourage others to do the same throughout this week and beyond.
For tips, advice and tools to support young people’s emotional health and wellbeing, go to: www.e-wellbeing.co.uk.
