Residents across Bath and North East Somerset are being encouraged to connect with the natural world to support good mental health during this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week 10th - 16th May.

Current research shows that one in four people experience mental health issues each year, and at any one time, one in six working adults are experiencing depression, anxiety, or problems relating to stress. However, spending time in a green space or bringing nature into your environment can benefit both physical and mental wellbeing by improving your mood, reducing feelings of stress or anger, or helping you to take time out and feel more relaxed.

It is why ‘Nature’ has been chosen as the theme of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week, hosted by the Mental Health Foundation. Bath & North East Somerset Council is supporting the week with a social media wellbeing campaign and face to face and online events in support of Mental Health Week are being held across the district.

Becky Reynolds, Bath and North East Somerset’s Director of Public Health, said: “With lockdown and coronavirus restrictions, we’ve all been under pressure during the past year. Many are facing worries over money, are caring for others, or have experienced increased feelings of loneliness and isolation. It takes a toll on our mental health, but research shows that enjoying nature in the countryside, in parks, in our gardens or even just looking at pictures of nature is a huge tonic and reduces anger, fear and stress. I’d urge residents during Mental Health Awareness Week to take time out to reconnect with nature and explore the benefits it can have on your wellbeing.”

Councillor Dine Romero, cabinet member for Children and Young People, Communities and Culture, added: “Over the past year, lots of us turned to nature to get through the lockdowns and our daily walks became invaluable. Walking in nature, even in urban nature, boosts your mood and research shows that the sense of connection with the natural world contributes to happiness. Taking time to look after your mental health is essential, so why not take advantage of some of the free events being held across Bath and North Somerset to support your mental health? There’s lots to choose from including lakeside walks, gardening lessons and even alfresco creative workshops.”

Over the past year The Community Wellbeing Hub and its key partner, the mental health service Bath Mind, has provided support to hundreds of residents.

Kate Morton, Chief Executive Officer of Bath Mind, said: “We know that our resilience has never been tested more than during the last fourteen months. As we come out of lockdown, we need to rethink our priorities. During Mental Health Awareness Week, we should re-connect with the outside world as part of our reset – to appreciate the natural world. This is so vital for our general health and wellbeing.”

Mark Rowland, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation, added: “Mental Health Awareness Week has grown to be one of the biggest awareness weeks in the UK.

“During the week, we want to hear people’s stories about how the natural world has supported their mental health.

“We also want to highlight the huge disparities between who is and who isn’t able to access nature. We want the week to explore how everyone across the UK can connect with nature and experience the mental health benefits wherever they live.”

Ways to 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.

Mental Health and Wellbeing Events across B&NES

Wednesday, 12th May

Eating for Good Mental Health and Wellbeing, 10am – 1pm

Gardening for wildlife at Sydney Gardens – 2pm – 4pm

Green Links Community Allotment, 12:30pm – 3:30pm

Green Links Community Allotment at The Potting Shed, Radstock, 11am – 2pm

Online Connect 5 Session 1 Mental Health & Wellbeing Conversations – 1pm -4pm

Thursday, 13th May

Creativity Works Intention Sticks at Sydney Gardens – 2pm – 4pm

Mindfulness session with Huw Griffiths at Sydney Gardens, Bath – 6pm – 7pm

Saturday, 15th May

Wheels for All Bath and West Saturday Club 12pm – 1:30pm

For more information about this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week visit:

or join the conversation on social media using #ConnectWithNature and #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek.

To contact the Community Wellbeing Hub:

Call 0300 247 0050 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Text 07870 868368

Bath Mind’s Breathing Space, is a phone support service, open every evening of the week from 5.30pm to 11.30pm. You can call in confidence on 01225 983130 if you are feeling worried or anxious and want to talk.

You can also find advice at information at Every Mind Matters: https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/