WEDNESDAY, 12 MAY, 2021

Photograph attached: Some of the Ward 3 staff taking part in the walking wellbeing challenge

Ward 3 staff putting their best foot forward to raise mental health awareness

Staff in Ward 3 at Ninewells Hospital are putting their walking shoes on to raise awareness of mental health and wellbeing.

Ward 3 charge nurse Cheryl Anne Smith is taking part in a fundraising solo walking challenge of the Highland Trail 550 from 14 May. Cheryl will walk 550 miles and hopes it will help encourage people to talk about the importance of mental wellbeing and the benefits of nature on your mental health.

A team of 25 staff in Ward 3 are also now taking part in their own wellbeing walking challenge where they will complete 550 miles between them.

Speaking during Mental Health Awareness Week (10-16 May), Cheryl said, "Originally I decided to walk the Highland Trail to raise awareness around mental wellbeing – how nature, physical activity and pushing ourselves can help create wellness and resilience.

“I'm so proud of my team for supporting me in this way and working so hard. I can't wait to see the fun they have getting outdoors and working as a team to complete this challenge.

“This challenging year has highlighted just how adaptable and resilient we are in NHS Tayside. By looking after ourselves we are fit for the work we do and we can also influence our patients to consider their wellbeing.”

NHS Tayside is supporting Mental Health Awareness Week 2021, which focuses on the benefits of nature and our environment to help improve people’s mental health and wellbeing.

The mental health and wellbeing benefits of connecting with nature and being outdoors can include:

• Improving your mood

• Reducing feelings of stress or anger

• Helping you take time out and feel more relaxed

• Improving your physical health

• Improving your confidence and self-esteem

• Helping you be more active

• Helping you make new connections

NHS Tayside is sharing tips on its Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages throughout Mental Health Awareness Week about the benefits of nature on your mental health and wellbeing.

During the week, you can share images and videos of your experiences of nature and how this made you feel on NHS Tayside’s social media pages using the hashtags #ConnectWithNature and #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek

For more information about this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week visit mentalhealth.org.uk/mhaw

Mental Health Awareness Week also coincides with Green Health Week hosted by the Dundee Green Health Partnership. A week-long calendar of more than 50 activities have been set up which focus on the benefits of nature. To find out more visit www.GreenHealth.scot 

People can visit NHS Tayside’s online self help mental health directory, which includes a list of mental health support and advice organisations, resources both in Tayside and nationally. The directory is available to view at www.livinglifewelltayside.scot.nhs.uk

If you need to speak to someone, you can contact:

• Samaritans: 116 123

• Breathing Space: 0800 83 85 87

• NHS 24: 111

Contact:

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 434138