Outdoor activity to boost mental health

The benefits of fresh air, nature and exercise for mental wellbeing have never been more recognised as we follow the road map out of lockdown.

The County Council is working with community groups and is funding projects that tap into the resources of the natural world to improve mental wellbeing and connect people with nature and with each other to reduce social isolation.

In Mental Health Awareness Week, with the theme of connecting with nature, our mental health team has been organising events across the county, including nature walks and wild swimming sessions.

“There is a huge amount of evidence to show that physical exercise and getting out into the fresh air and enjoying nature and walking in the countryside has a huge benefit on mental health and a sense of wellbeing,” said Richard Webb, County Council Director for Health and Adult Services.

North Yorkshire’s Director of Public Health, Louise Wallace, has written to schools asking them to support the mental health campaign week.

She said: “As we emerge from the isolation of lockdown, which has taken a huge toll on people’s mental wellbeing, being active outdoors and connecting with nature with members of your community or friends or family has never been more important.”

We also use our innovative Stronger Communities fund to support physical and outdoor activity initiatives to promote wellbeing. The Stronger Communities team also works closely with North Yorkshire Sport to improve physical and mental health.

As part of Mental Health Awareness Week, which is hosted by the Mental Health Foundation, North Yorkshire Sport has launched a Mental Health Friendly Charter to encourage sports clubs and activity organisations to promote mental wellbeing by appointing mental health champions and having a mental health action plan.

• We have a range of mental health services, which can be found at www.northyorks.gov. uk/mental-health

• People in need of crisis support can contact our mental health crisis support team on 0800 0516 171.