‘Connect with Nature’ this Mental Health Awareness Week in Kent

The theme of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week (10-16 May) - ‘Connect with Nature’ - is being supported by services across the county including Live Well Kent, One You Kent and Explore Kent.

Information is available at www.kent.gov.uk/wellbeing on these services, plus many more, which can help you try to improve your mental and physical health and wellbeing.

You can find healthy walks and activities with One You Kent which is commissioned by Kent County Council to support healthy lifestyle changes, and Live Well Kent which is a network of community mental health and wellbeing support services, managed by charities Porchlight and Shaw Trust for KCC and the Kent and Medway CCG. Explore Kent, supported by the Everyday Active campaign, can also help you find ways to get outside and enjoy the wonderful Kent countryside.

Kent County Council Public Health Consultant, Jess Mookherjee said: “The past year with Covid-19 has been incredibly stressful and challenging for many people, and those anxieties and worries about jobs, relationships, family and home life, and concerns about the future continue.

“Organisations across Kent and nationally have pulled together to support people and you can find a wealth of information plus online tips and advice including the Every Mind Matters online tool at www.kent.gov.uk/wellbeing”

Dr Jihad Malasi, a GP in Ramsgate and clinical lead for mental health at NHS Kent and Medway Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “Being in the great outdoors is valuable for all of us. I love walking and climbing, and I hope that you can reconnect nature during Mental Health Awareness Week. However, it’s important that you know we’re here for you if you need us. There are lots services available to help you manage your mental health, improve your confidence and empower you to do the things that you really want to do in life.”

You can find information on services at:

• One You Kent - healthy walks, Active 10 app, Everyday Active and countryside parks www.oneyoukent.org.uk and www.kent.gov.uk/getmoving
• Live Well Kent community mental health support services. Info at www.kent.gov.uk/wellbeing and www.livewellkent.org.uk
• Kent Sheds – info at www.kent.gov.uk/wellbeing and www.kentsheds.org
• Every Mind Matters online tool at www.kent.gov.uk/everymindmatters
• Explore Kent (walking, cycling and connecting with nature) at www.explorekent.org
• Everyday Active – take that first step to being physically active with the Kent Sport led activities site at www.everydayactivekent.org.uk