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Mental Health Awareness Week 2021

This week is Mental Health Awareness Week, and the theme this year is ‘Nature’.

Over the past year, many of us have turned to nature as a source of respite, inspiration and healing. Nature is so important to our mental and physical health, and the Mental Health Foundation want to encourage everyone to #ConnectWithNature and take some time out away from other distractions.

The Mental Health Foundation want to challenge the ideas of who is and who isn’t able to experience nature and promote the idea that it is a resource that should be available to everyone.

Did you know?*

• During the pandemic, going for walks outside is one of our top coping strategies
• 45% of us reported that being in green spaces had been vital for our mental health in lockdown
• Over lockdown, websites that showed footage from webcams of wildlife saw an increase of hits by over 2000%
• Teenagers, in particular, appear to be less connected with nature and around 13% of UK households have no access to a garden.

#ConnectWithNature

Whatever your lifestyle or location, there are little ways to connect with the natural world around you! Here are just a few ideas:

1. Bring nature inside  - if you don’t have much garden space you could plant seeds in a window box or pot
2. Go on a photography walk and take photos of anything that inspires you! Use your photos as your mobile lock screen or print to put up on the walls
3. Have a picnic in a local park
4. Go on a treasure hunt with geocaching
5. Hang a bird feeder outside to attract birds

Wellbeing Hub

It is so important to take care of your own mental health and wellbeing, and here at East Surrey College, we’re committed to looking out for the welfare of our students and ensuring that support is available.

Our Wellbeing Hub is a new area of the site, full of resources for students and parents/carers. On this page, you can find contact details of our Safeguarding Team, useful websites and top tips for looking after your wellbeing.

Take Action, Get Active

Throughout the month of May, the Mental Health Foundation are encouraging you to take part in half an hour every day of outdoor exercise! Complete 30 minutes however you want – jogging, walking, skipping, whatever you feel like

It’s free to take part, so sign up to receive a fundraising pack and tips on how to make the most of your 30 minutes.

Don’t worry if you've missed 1 May, just complete 30 days from when you start! 

Get in Touch

Are you taking part in the Take Action, Get Active challenge? Or maybe you want to share your top tips for looking after your wellbeing! Keep in touch with us on social media:

Facebook: East Surrey College
Instagram: @eastsurreycollege
Twitter: @EastSurreyColl

* https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/campaigns/mental-health-awareness-week/why-nature