As the days get longer and the Somerset landscape shifts from grey to green, many of us feel a natural pull to spend more time outdoors. Connecting with nature isn’t just a pleasant way to spend an afternoon; it’s an important part of looking after our mental wellbeing.
The sights and sounds of nature or the feeling of the sun on our skin can help us feel more grounded. Getting outdoors offers a chance to step away from the noise of daily life and find a bit of headspace. Our alliance, which brings together local community organisations and the NHS, is committed to making sure these opportunities are available to everyone in Somerset.
Why Getting Outside Helps Us
When we spend time in nature, our stress levels often start to dip. For those of us living with mental health conditions, having a gentle outdoor routine can be a helpful way to manage symptoms and provide a bit of structure to the day.
Getting outside might not be simple for you. Some of us might feel anxious about being in public spaces or being around people we don’t know. Others might find that mobility issues or the struggle of planning a journey make leaving the house feel like a mountain to climb. We believe everyone should feel seen, heard, and valued, which is why we prioritise making services accessible to all.
Finding the Right Fit for You
Across Somerset, there are many groups designed to help us feel comfortable while getting active.
Unbreakable Men, run by SASP, is a great place to start if you are looking to improve your mental health through movement. They focus on using physical activity to help men talk and support each other in a relaxed way.
Therapeutic Gardening and Nature Groups: Getting our hands in the soil can be calming and therapeutic. The Balsam Centre in Wincanton offers Step into Nature and their Growing Space project, which are perfect for those who want to connect with others in a calm setting.
Mind in Somerset Gardening projects include the Well-Grounded Group in Shepton Mallet and the Vanessa Gardening Project in Yeovil. These are safe spaces where we can learn new skills at our own pace.
Walking at Your Own Pace with a group can help ease the anxiety of being out alone. Mind in Somerset offers a Walk and Talk group in Yeovil, and SASP coordinates Health Walks across the whole county. These are designed to be accessible and friendly.
Planning Your Journey and Staying Accessible
If you are worried about where to go or whether a path will be suitable for a wheelchair, there are resources to help plan ahead.
Get Outside in Somerset is an informative hub for finding activities and locations that suit your specific needs.
Somerset Council: You can find detailed information on Accessible Somerset and local Parks and Play Areas for planning a day out that feels safe and manageable.
Small Steps Count
We don’t need to hike for miles to feel the benefits of being outside. Just sitting on a park bench for ten minutes or tending to a window box can help. If you do wish to track your activity the NHS offers free apps, like Active 10 and Couch to 5k.
If you are struggling with your mental health and find the idea of leaving the house overwhelming, please remember that we are here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Call us, anytime.
You can call Mindline Somerset to talk to someone who will listen and help you find the support you need.
📞 Call locally 01823 276892
📞 Freephone 0800 138 1692