In 2021, Mental Health Awareness week is being celebrated from Monday 10 May to Sunday 16 May. The theme for this year is nature. The Mental Health Foundation hosts Mental Health Awareness week. They describe themselves as the UK’s leading charity for everyone’s mental health. With prevention at the heart of what they do, they aim to find and address the sources of mental health problems so that people and communities can thrive.
Their research – Coronavirus: Mental Health in the Pandemic identified that going for walks outside was one of our top coping strategies during the long months of the pandemic. With 45% of us reporting being in green spaces had been vital for our mental health. Websites which showed footage from webcams of wildlife saw hits increase by over 2000%. Wider studies also found that during lockdowns, people not only spent more time in nature but were noticing it more. It was as if we were re-discovering at our most fragile point, our fundamental human need to connect with nature.
As part of the awareness week, the foundation are asking to hear our stories of how nature has supported our mental wellbeing. Helen Oparinde, Development Officer in VAL’s Voluntary Sector Support Team tells us her story.
During the initial lockdown I was able to develop a new work/life balance approach. Previously I had commuted 3 hours per day to VAL’s work base, which meant connecting with nature in the week was mainly via looking at the scenery from the window seat of my train commute. Now I could log off from the work laptop late afternoon and go experience the sights and sounds of my local area. Be it by foot or cycle. I am very lucky that I live in a ward of a city that is near to the countryside, so can see cows, sheep, pheasant etc. after only venturing about 30 minutes from the home.
However, even with those wonderful opportunities, one real thing I missed during those strict lockdown periods was not being able to take my daughter to the local athletic track, where I can sit and enjoy a breezy view of an ancient woodland, whilst seeing the intergenerational camaraderie of coach and athlete perfecting their skills in track and field.
A benefit of home working meant I had a bit more energy to get some of my outstanding operational volunteer tasks finalised. My local athletic club had secured some games changer funding from England Athletics and during pre-lockdown, I had helped a videographer collate the views of athletes, coaches, and competition officials to enable the club to have a promotional video to recruit volunteers. With the purpose of meeting the demands of the local community wanting to engage with nature via running or field activities.
With a number of editing processes completed, and with some friendly guidance from my colleague Bhavini in VAL’s communication team, the video is now complete and on its road to informing people about this part of the city’s urban landscape and how people can connect with nature, by volunteering at their local club.
Why don’t you consider about getting involved in nature through volunteering. Just sign up and search for volunteering opportunities. Or if you have a volunteer opportunity that involves nature, why not advertise it for free with VAL. Just sign up here.
If you would like any help or support for your group or organisation, get in touch with our Sector Support Team, who are here to help:
0116 257 5050