It’s #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek, which this year focuses on raising awareness of the impact of loneliness on our mental health. In this world full of different ways to connect, it’s hard to imagine that over 9 million people in the UK report feeling lonely. Some feel trapped as the vicious cycle of anxiety and depression draws them away from social situations and relationships.
Gardens are good for your physical and mental health
Research has shown that visiting a garden is both good for your mental and physical health. Reconnecting with nature, creating time for yourself to relax and reflect, and enjoying the sense of community with like minded people, have all been proven to boost our general health and wellbeing.
The National Garden Scheme
The National Garden Scheme gives visitors access to over 3,500 exceptional private gardens in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Guernsey, and raises impressive amounts of money for nursing and health charities through admissions, teas and cakes.
It doesn’t just open beautiful gardens for charity but works to share the physical and mental health benefits of gardens too, supporting charities doing amazing work in gardens and grant bursaries to help community gardening projects.
So look to help someone! Embrace the moment and take action, not just this week but in the future. Whether it is a relative, friend or neighbour, take a trip with them to see spring sunshine and experience the wonders of nature by visiting a British garden.
You can find a garden in your area by visiting https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/
The site gives you all the information regarding opening times/days, whether it has wheelchair access, is dog-friendly, serves refreshments and has parking.
