Britain is struggling with its mental health ahead of a difficult winter
Nearly half of Brits are experiencing challenges to their mental health once a week or more, according to new research by GO Outdoors.
Commissioned as part of GO Outdoors’ partnership with the mental health charity Mind, the findings have identified the cost of living crisis (36%), relationship issues (14%), and work pressures (13%) as some of the factors having the biggest negative impact on Brits mental health at the moment.
To support people experiencing mental health problems ahead of what’s shaping up to be an incredibly challenging winter, GO Outdoors alongside its panel of brand ambassadors (ex-England goalkeeper David Seaman and TV presenters Helen Skelton, Julia Bradbury, and Sean Fletcher) have designed and released a brand-new range of hats in collaboration with Mind, with 100% of the proceeds going to the charity.
As part of the launch, the brand encouraged Brits to get outdoors in their new hats and tag a friend with #HatsOnForMind, asking them to do the same.
Anyone wishing to purchase a hat and donate to Mind directly can do so online or by visiting a participating retailer, including GO Outdoors, Blacks, Millets, and Fishing Republic.
When it comes to improving mental health, over two thirds of Brits (65%), claim that physical exercise and spending time outdoors has a positive impact, with one in four (25%) saying they prefer exercising outdoors as it’s cheaper than the gym.
Data has further revealed that we struggle to get outdoors as a nation, with one in five Brits only going outside once a week for exercise or a similar activity. Additionally, nearly a third (28%) say that the traditionally poor British weather makes it hard to get outside.
Findings from Mind show that spending time in nature contributes towards a feeling of better wellbeing and helps with mental health problems including anxiety and depression.
What’s more, research carried out on behalf of the charity found that 94% of people who took part in outdoor physical activities said that green exercise activities had benefited their mental health, with walking identified as the most popular activity for people with mental health problems.
David Seaman, Fishing Republic ambassador, said:
“As an advocate of the great outdoors and exercise, I’m really looking forward to playing my part in spreading the word about their benefits to our mental health.
“Fishing for me is a great way to chill out and escape life’s inevitable stresses. I’m deeply motivated to get this positive message out there and ask the nation to get their #HatsOnForMind.”
Charlotte Porter, Head of Corporate Partnerships at Mind, said:
“We are extremely grateful to JD Outdoors for supporting Mind with our mission to be there for everyone experiencing a mental health problem.
“This collaboration with JD is fantastic as it encourages everyone to experience the great outdoors and reap the benefits – it doesn’t matter if you’re climbing a mountain or heading for a walk in your local park, you can take part in #HatsOnForMind this month.
“We are in a difficult time, with many of us feeling the impact of the pandemic, economic uncertainty and loneliness. We can expect to see a rise in mental health problems and increased demand for mental health services, so the support we’re receiving from JD Outdoors through this partnership is crucial.
“The money raised will help us to keep our vital services running, including Mind’s Infoline, legal line, and our online peer support community Side by Side, so that we can be there for the people who need us most.”
