Research shows that spending time outdoors plays an important role in improving our overall mental health and wellbeing.
This week is Green Health Week (Saturday 8 May – Sunday 16 May) and could be the perfect time to embrace spending time outdoors.
Marie McKeown, partnership manager, Lanarkshire Green Health Partnership, NHS Lanarkshire said: “Green Health Week is a fantastic opportunity to explore outdoors and this year is even more important as it coincides with Mental Health Awareness Week’s theme of connecting with nature.”
“The health benefits of spending time in nature are known to help relieve stress, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and improve sleep.”
“Our work as part of the Green Health Partnership is to highlight Lanarkshire’s greenspace, parks and nature and we’re grateful to all our partners for supporting Green Health Week and offering such varied and fun activities across the week.”
Take a look at some green health activities and ideas across Lanarkshire:
Over the past four years, we have has partnered with Clydesdale Community Initiatives Scotland (CCI Scotland) to develop the green health programme, where various green health opportunities are offered for inpatients and outpatients as well as hospital staff and visitors, across five of our hospital sites.
NHS Lanarkshire’s green health programme integrates green activities into patient rehabilitation programmes and dementia groups, as well as growing fresh vegetables on hospital sites where all produce grown is used within NHS Lanarkshire or donated to Clydesdale foodbanks.
Since the partnership began, CCI Scotland has donated 825kg of vegetables to the Clydesdale foodbank, all of which is grown on NHS Lanarkshire grounds.
You can enjoy a great day out at CCI’s Langloch Farm, including a nature trail, play park, low ropes course, climate change trail and market garden – there is something for everyone.
There are 16 outdoor gyms across Lanarkshire that are free and easy to use – find your nearest using our interactive map. There is also a brief description of each facility.
Get Outdoors Lanarkshire has lots of tips and resources for connecting with nature.
As part of Green Health Week, they have introduced the ‘green elf code’ for kids and families to stop, look and listen to nature. You might even spot some green elves when you are out and about Lanarkshire.
Great fun for all the family – find out more about putting the green elf code into action on the Get Outdoors Lanarkshire website.
There are lots of greenspace facilities and activities across Lanarkshire including Calderglen Country Park, Chatelherault Country Park, Lanark Loch and more.
There are many ways to enjoy the health benefits of being outdoors, including walking, gardening, cycling, volunteering, outdoor learning and play as well as just enjoying being out in green spaces and nature.
