THURSDAY, 6 MAY, 2021

EMBARGOED until photocall: 12.45pm, Friday, 7 May, outside Baxter Park Pavillion, Dr Viola Marx unveiling a mural banner created by D&A College

Enjoy the great outdoors during Green Health Week

People in Tayside are being encouraged to get outdoors and connect with nature during Dundee Green Health Partnership’s Green Health Week (8-16 May).

Green Health Week coincides with Mental Health Awareness Week, which runs from Monday, 10 May and focuses on the benefits of nature to help improve people’s mental health and wellbeing.

The Dundee Green Health Partnership, which is led by NHS Tayside and Dundee City Council, has set up a week-long calendar of more than 50 free activities which are designed to improve people’s mental, physical and social wellbeing.

Dr Viola Marx, Green Health Partnership Coordinator, said, “Green Health Week aims to provide people with a variety of ideas and resources to access the outdoors and help mental, physical and social wellbeing by connecting people and nature.

“Mental health and wellbeing is an issue that has never been more important and getting some fresh air and enjoying nature can have a massive benefit on your wellbeing.

“We’re very grateful to all our fantastic partners for supporting Green Health Week and offering such interesting, varied and fun activities across Dundee.

“All activities are free but booking is essential if you want to take part as places may be limited due to the current COVID-19 restrictions. There are also online activities with unlimited spaces on offer, as well as self-led activities to inspire people to get outdoors and educational videos about health benefits and how to form new health habits.

“We really hope that people in Tayside take part in the range of activities planned throughout the week.”

Dundee City Council Neighbourhood Services Convener Councillor Anne Rendall said, “The Dundee Green Health Partnership is a great resource for the city and for residents. I hope that this year's Green Health Week encourages individuals to make the most of the opportunities and activities on offer. 

“We’re blessed in the city with the amount of green space we have and initiatives like the Green Health Partnership can help everyone to enjoy it in their own way, get the health benefits and to get outdoors.”

Some of the activities in Green Health Week include:

• Dr Bike Service from Dundee Cycle Hub is visiting Ninewells Hospital on Saturday, 8 May between 10am and 3pm and the Community Fridge at Millers Wynd on 15 May to provide free bike safety checks. Spaces must be booked in advance and can be booked through the Dundee Green Health Partnership website at www.GreenHealth.scot

• An Arboretum Litter Pick is taking place in Ninewells Community Garden on the 10 and 14 May between 1pm and 4pm. A Broughty Ferry Beach Clean is also taking place on the 9 May between 10.30am and 12pm. Participants should remember to bring their own gloves and book in advance.

• Dundee’s Botanic Garden is offering free entry from 10 to 15 May, including free sunflower seeds, where visitors can explore 30 magical fairy doors and an Easter pebble stone trail. Tickets must be booked in advance.

• Plant sales are available throughout the week at Ninewells Community Garden, Dawson Park, V&A Dundee Community Garden at Slessor Gardens, and at the Community Fridge in Millers Wynd

Other activities include a Green Health Treasure Hunt across Dundee’s green spaces, outdoor exercise classes with ParkLives, a Guided Natural History Walk at The Law and various competitions and online resources.

You can find out more details about the full programme of activities at www.GreenHealth.scot or search for Dundee Green Health Partnership on Facebook and Twitter.

Photo credit: Alan Richardson

Contact:

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 424138