This Mental Health Awareness Week, Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage is urging constituents to connect with nature to improve their emotional and psychological wellbeing.
1 in 4 people in England will experience some form of mental health problem every year, with 1 in 6 people reporting a common mental health issue such as anxiety and depression in any given week.
The pandemic has exacerbated mental health problems for many as residents have been isolated from loved ones and experienced increasing amounts of stress.
Caroline, who has been signposting constituents to mental health support over the past year, commented:
“This past year, walking the Gosport Constituency has been a blessing as I have had the opportunity to really stop and appreciate the beauty of our bays and local environment.
“Connecting with nature, going on walks and taking some time out for yourself helps to calm the mind in the midst of so much stress.
“This Mental Health Awareness Week I encourage all residents to take a moment and connect with nature.”
Caroline, who stood on a manifesto commitment to create the most ambitious environmental programme of any country, has supported the Environment Bill has it has progressed through Parliament. This includes setting long-term targets that can be set out for any aspects of the natural environment or people’s enjoyment of it.