Mind Jersey is celebrating Mental Health Awareness Week, from 10th to 16th May, with a great selection of activities.
We are now in a pandemic recovery period, moving towards the future with fragile caution. The pandemic saw many of us turning to nature for physical, emotional and mental support. We’ve seen runners, cyclists, walkers and the hardy sea-swimmers getting ‘out there’ through perhaps one of toughest winters yet.
Research has shown that getting out for a walk was one of the top coping strategies and 45% of UK respondents reported that being in green spaces had been vital for their mental health. In the UK, websites which show webcam footage of wildlife had hits increase by over 2000%, nature benefited from the changing use of the environment.
45% reported that being in green spaces had been vital for their mental health
We see the evidence that demonstrates the powerful benefits of nature for our mental health and Jersey certainly hits the mark when it comes to beauty in nature. During Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW), Mind Jersey will promote 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. Even small contacts with nature can reduce feelings of social isolation and be effective in protecting our mental health, and preventing distress.
Mind Jersey are partnering with Highvern to offer a unique range of accessible, relaxed, nature themed activities during Mental Health Awareness Week from ‘Sunset Strolls’ to ‘Natures Mandalas’, all with tea and cake thrown in!
Paula Hegarty, Head of HR and Facilities Management at Highvern, told Channel Eye: “We are very proud to be supporting Mind Jersey at a time when we recognise that many peoples’ mental health will have been impacted. As well as providing Mind Jersey with financial support for Mental Health Awareness Week, our staff will be actively taking part in the events, attending mindfulness walks and contributing home-baked goods.
“Mental wellbeing is the responsibility of all employers and our business continues to evolve to best accommodate what works best for our team as a whole as well as staff’s individual circumstances. We hope that as many people as possible take the opportunity to join in with the week’s activities to better equip themselves with the tools to help in times of stress and upheaval.”
Mind Jersey will be in the Town Library from 10am – 12am and 2pm – 4pm everyday during the week to have a chat and explain all the great services they have on offer.
All activities are available to people of all ages, ethnicities and abilities.
