With longer days and better weather upon us, this is the perfect time to make the most of the outdoors and our natural environment.
It also ties in with Mental Health Awareness Week in the UK, taking place next month from 11th – 17th May – a great opportunity to focus on wellbeing in your workplace and community.
Here are some simple, practical ways to make mental health support more accessible, and how the outdoors can play a role too.
Start with open conversations
Whether you run a small business or manage a larger team, creating a culture where mental health can be talked about openly is a great place to start. By simply making it clear that these conversations are welcome, we can help to break down stigma and ensure people feel supported, rather than struggling in silence.
Mental health first aiders
Having trained mental health first aiders in your team is a clear way to show your commitment to wellbeing. They can help spot early signs of mental health challenges, reduce stigma, and guide people towards professional support if needed.
In the UK, mental health is one of the leading causes of sickness absence. Making support visible and accessible can make a real difference, both for individuals and for your workplace.
Make support easy to find
Sometimes the biggest barrier to getting help is simply not knowing where to start. Sharing details of support services, such as helplines, online resources or internal contacts, can make it much easier for people to reach out when they need to. Keeping this information visible and accessible is a small step that can have a big impact.
Get outside
We’ve all heard it before – “just get outside!” And while it’s not a cure, spending time in nature really can support mental wellbeing. Research shows strong links between time outdoors and reduced stress, improved mood, better physical health, and increased relaxation. Whether you head to a park, woodland, beach or canal, nature offers real benefits. And improving access to these spaces doesn’t just support people, it also encourages us to value and protect our natural environment.
Encourage outdoor breaks
One simple way to support this is by encouraging staff to take breaks outside. Even just 15 minutes in nature can boost mood, improve concentration and support overall wellbeing. This could be as simple as providing a bench or outdoor seating area, or highlighting nearby green spaces where staff can step away from their desks.
Organise outdoor activities
Team activities are another great way to support wellbeing, build connections and encourage people to spend time outdoors. When planning your next team day, consider something outside and accessible to everyone. It doesn’t have to be complicated to make a positive impact.
Promote low-carbon ways to get outside
Encouraging activities like walking, cycling or volunteering locally can help people connect with nature in a simple, low-cost way. Sharing local cycle routes, green spaces or community initiatives can also help remove barriers and inspire people who might not know where to start.
Remember – small actions can make a big difference
There’s no single solution to improving mental health, and no expectation to do everything at once. Small, consistent actions can go a long way in reducing stigma, improving access to support, and creating an environment where mental wellbeing is prioritised.
