Publish date: 7 May 2021
Nature is the theme for Mental Health Awareness Week 2021.
Research conducted by the Mental Health Foundation looking at the impact of the pandemic on mental health, has revealed going for walks in nature, was one of people's favourite ways of coping with the national lockdowns.
45% of the leading mental health charity’s survey respondents, reported that nature has been vital for their mental wellbeing.
Wider studies also found that during lockdowns, people not only spent more time in nature - walking or exercising, but were noticing the natural environment more than before. Tending to the garden, or simply watching birds feeding have seen a huge jump in popularity.
At West London Trust, we'll be promoting several pieces of innovative work going on in our Trust, including:
- An allotment in Hounslow run by our Vocational Recovery Services to help service users gain key life skills
- The Cassel Hospital's garden, which is used to help adults with a diagnosis of ‘personality disorder’
- CAMHS’ service users talking about how they see nature and how it improves their mental wellbeing
- Showing how art, nature and the environment is at the heart of rehabilitation for patients at Broadmoor Hospital.
Look out for these stories during the week.