On Monday 24th September, Dorset Mind will join forces with organisations across England and Wales to take part in ‘Mindful Monday’ walking groups as part of the European Week of Sport in partnership with ukactive.
As well as promoting the benefits of physical activity for mental health, all participants will be invited to take part in a variety of mindful activities on the walk that will start at the top of Fisherman’s Walk in Southbourne at 3pm. The walk will take an hour approximately, for the route details please see our website.
Through this work, Dorset Mind will be supporting people experiencing mental health problems such as depression and bipolar disorder, to build their confidence to engage in physical activity, go to the gym, or take up a new sport such as walking, running and rugby to name a few. There is good evidence to suggest that, as well as improving physical health, regular exercise can boost your mood, help beat stress and even reduce risk of depression.
Anyone interested in taking part in Mindful Monday should contact Dorset Mind on 01202-551660. People who want to show their support for Mindful Monday online can use the #BeActive hashtag.
Dorset Mind’s Chief Executive Marianne Storey says, “We all have mental health just as we have physical health, and the two are intrinsically linked to one another. We know that physical activity can play a vital role in the lives of people with mental health problems – which is why we deliver an activities-based support group. Research suggests that regular activity can reduce the risk of depression by up to 30%. We’re really excited to be involved in ‘Mindful Monday’ and to encourage more people with mental health problems to get engaged with physical activity.
Dr Andrew Mayers, Principal Academic at Bournemouth University and Patron for Dorset Mind says, “What I like most about this great event is the way that it uses our wonderful Dorset natural environment and coastline to help promote better mental health. We have been working with other partners across the county on ‘mental health and nature’ projects. Evidence shows that engagement with nature has great benefits for mental wellbeing. Adding mindfulness to that provides another dimension.”
The types of activity on offer include a FREE mindfulness walk and our drop-in support group that is activities based. If you’re interested in getting involved, please do get in touch!”
To register your interest for the Dorset Mind Mindful Monday Walk, call us on 01202-551660 or email us at [email protected].
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