Stop.Breathe.Think invited everyone to ‘Be Out There’ for Mental Health Awareness Week 2023 by simply doing something outside: be that a lesson in school, or taking a walk around the block. Being outside can have a direct & positive impact on our mental health which we felt it was really important to promote – while allowing a lot of room for fun too!
We were so excited to hear about the various activities schools and organisations had come up with! One of our partner organisations said this:
‘I took appointments outside with my young people, and we spoke about whether they think getting outside more would impact their mental health. A few realised that they only leave the house if they have to for school, or someone asks them to or they are picking up substances, they don’t leave the house just to go for a walk or explore.
Some also felt anxious about going outside alone. So we planned ways to make this easier such as putting headphones in, playing a podcast, making a walking playlist, and wearing something that you feel comfortable in so you feel more confident!
It has been a great reminder to me to raise this more with my young people.’
We loved reading this, it raised some really important and interesting issues. One parent wrote to us telling us about this:
‘My daughter who has benefitted from your services has been out litter picking this week as part of mental health awareness week and your get outside advice.’
This young person took it upon themselves to raise some money for other young people to benefit from counselling, which we think is absolutely amazing!!
Just a taster of all the fun and creative things that happened – we can’t wait to Be Out There for next year’s Mental Health Awareness Week and to get even more of you involved…..and watch this space for news on what we have planned for World Mental Health Day on 10th October!
