A new charity, Connect Outdoors, is making strides to enhance men’s mental health by leveraging the natural environment through an array of activities. Based on the Isle of Man, the organization is set to launch officially with an event scheduled for International Men’s Day at the Venture Centre in Maughold. The event is expected to gather around 80 participants to engage in activities such as cold-water swimming, archery, and hill walking.
Addressing Mental Wellbeing Through Nature
Connect Outdoors underpins its mission with the concept of “blue and green health,” which taps into the therapeutic potential of natural spaces like woodlands and coastlines. Chief Executive Kate Bergquist highlights the untapped potential of the island’s landscapes for health benefits, aiming to integrate such environments into regular well-being routines.
In an effort to better understand what activities resonate most with men, event attendees will be encouraged to complete surveys. These insights aim to shape future support and activities that are both appealing and effective, moving away from traditional health service models that may not always consult the very individuals they aim to assist.
Community and Connection
One of the supporters of the initiative, Gary Thomas, who leads Walking for Wellness, offers guided hill walks where participants can discuss personal issues in a supportive, open-air setting. Thomas points out that nature’s non-clinical atmosphere often allows individuals to feel comfortable opening up about personal challenges, facilitating connection and reducing feelings of isolation.
Also contributing to the event is Joshua Moore, a barber who has trained in suicide prevention. Moore observes that the relaxed atmosphere of a barbershop often encourages men to discuss personal issues. “The barber chair,” he notes, “is a place where meaningful conversations can unfold, offering both a fresh haircut and a platform for being heard.”
By blending traditional mental health support with community-building activities in nature, Connect Outdoors aims to create spaces where men can foster connections and support their well-being beyond the limitations of conventional settings.
Looking Ahead
The International Men’s Day event aims not just to introduce attendees to new activities but aspires to create sustainable practices for physical and mental health enhancement. By focusing on engaging men in novel ways, the charity seeks to influence how future mental health support services might be developed and delivered in more inclusive and accessible ways.
Photo by Mathew Schwartz on Unsplash
