Mental Health Awareness Week 2024 - let's get moving

Mental Health Awareness Week runs from Monday, 13 May to Sunday, 19 May. The campaign is led by the Mental Health Foundation, a leading charity pushing for change in our collective approach to mental health across the UK by researching and developing new ways to support and prioritise mental health all year round - in our local communities, schools, businesses and organisations.

This year's theme is on the theme of movement and moving more for our mental health.

Evidence shows that the benefits of regular physical activity include helping to lower the risk of depression, dementia, type 2 diabetes, colon and breast cancers, breast cancer, osteoarthritis and hip fractures and coronary heart disease and stroke.

Laurie Fergusson, Deputy Director of public health said: “We are encouraging people to get moving as part of their daily routine. This could be as simple as going for a walk or just listening to your favourite music and having a dance in the kitchen! Movement is so important for our mental health.

“Across East Riding, there are lots of community groups and activities for people to enjoy movement and activity. There’s something for everyone, whatever age or ability, and this mental health awareness week, I’d encourage everyone to embrace moving more.”

Get involved in:

Walking for Health - a series of free guided walks for all ages and abilities aimed at anyone who has an interest in walking or wants to slowly introduce exercise into their daily routine as part of rehabilitation from illness, injury or to get fit. There's a range of walks starting from 30 minutes to two hours: 

https://www.eastridinghealthandwellbeing.co.uk/active-communities/walking-for-health

Active Coast - This scheme offers everyone the opportunity to get active, feel healthy and enjoy life on the coast. Centred around Bridlington, Hornsea and Withernsea, the rolling programme offers something for all ages and abilities throughout the year, from park runs to beach yoga or adapted cycling sessions:  www.eastridingcoastandcountryside.co.uk/active-communities

East Riding Coast and Countryside - From tree planting, nature walks and yoga - there is something for everyone, whatever their age or ability: www.eastridingcoastandcountryside.co.uk/whats-on

East Riding local nature reserves - With eight nature reserves across East Riding there is lots to explore and regular events to join in with, check out their Facebook page for forthcoming dates: www.facebook.com/EastRidingLNRS

East Riding Libraries - From friendly knit and natter groups, to cuppa and a chorus sessions open to all, or bounce and rhyme sessions for pre-school children, there is so much to get involved in: www.eastridinglibraries.co.uk

People can also find out more about locations and dates for all of these in the Active Communities 2024 booklet: eryc.link/walking-for-health

Healthy Minds in East Riding provides support for all aspects of mental health, with information and signposting for all: eryc.link/healthy-minds 

Young Healthy Minds in East Riding provides support for young people, and adults supporting young people, to find services, information and advice specifically for those aged under 25: eryc.link/young-healthy-minds