Rotherham residents urged to connect with nature for good mental health

The week, which is hosted by the Mental Health Foundation, is in its 21st year and runs from 10-16 May.

This year’s theme is ‘Nature’ and across the country, people will be enjoying the mental health benefits of being around nature in their local communities.  

Chair of Rotherham’s Health and Wellbeing Board, Councillor David Roche said: “Rotherham is a borough that is blessed with so many green spaces, open countryside, waterways and woods. People don’t have to go very far to relax, unwind and take time for themselves among the wonders of nature.

“Our Five Ways to Wellbeing programme – be active, connect, take notice, give and keep learning can help people to identify small steps to keep them healthy in mind as well as body. Whether it’s a long walk in the countryside, doing a spot of gardening, or simply listening to the birds in the trees, connecting with nature is wonderful for both our physical and mental health.”

Some of the ways people can participate in Mental Health Awareness Week:

• Why not try to make a habit each day of connecting to the nature in your local area? Stop to listen to the birdsong, smell the freshly cut grass, take care of a house plant, notice any trees, flowers or animals nearby. Take a moment to appreciate these connections.
• Share images/videos/or just sound recordings of the nature on your doorstep (and how this made you feel) on social media using #ConnectWithNature and #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek
• Use Mental Health Foundation resources in your family, school, workplace and community to join with thousands of people who will be finding new ways to connect with nature in their local environment.

For more information about the local mental health support in Rotherham visit www.rotherhive.co.uk and visit www.rotherham.gov.uk and search Five Ways to Wellbeing to watch our helpful video.

To learn more about suicide prevention visit www.be-the-one.co.uk.