Highland nature walks group signs up to SAMH mental health charter
A network of nature walking groups which operates in Thurso, Castletown and Wick has become the 700th organisation to sign up to a mental health charter.
Think Nature Health Walks, which operates 15 walking groups throughout the Highlands, has committed to embedding positive mental health and wellbeing practices to make physical activity more accessible.
The group has signed up to Scotland’s Mental Health Charter for Physical Activity and Sport, which is managed by Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH).
The Highland walking network says the move ties in with this week’s Mental Health Awareness Week. The charter aims to improve equality and reduce discrimination by ensuring mental health problems are not a barrier to engaging, participating and achieving in sport and physical activity.
Isabel McLeish, health walk coordinator at Think Nature Health Walks, said: “Walking in your local green space is a great way to support your health and wellbeing. People joining our walks share how important the walking groups are for helping to get out and about more, developing connections with others, and reducing social isolation.”
Billy Watson, chief executive of SAMH, said: “Achieving 700 signatories is a tremendous milestone. That’s 700 clubs and organisations across Scotland taking action to support people’s mental health and wellbeing, using the collective power of physical activity and sport to create positive lasting change.”
The mental health charter is funded by the Scottish Government and supported by sportscotland. It was officially launched in 2018 by SAMH ambassador Sir Chris Hoy.
