Get involved
Connect with nature locally
We live in a beautiful place and there are plenty of places to visit to explore and
connect with nature locally.
Picnic in the Parks is full of ideas to help you live well and love nature. Take some time to explore this Dorset-inspired virtual park created by Dorset AONB Partnership and find inspiration, discover new experiences and enjoy fun healthy and nature- related activities.
Dorset is the perfect playground for you to explore, with mile upon mile of thrilling cycle routes, some of the finest walking trails to be found anywhere and scenery to die for!
There’s a huge range of gardens and parks to visit, beaches to explore and places to spot rare and endangered wildlife in their natural habitats. And, check out Birds of Poole Harbour for some great bird watching spots across Dorset.
Visit Dorset has a wide range of ideas of ideas of places to visit on our doorstep – take a look and get inspired.
If you prefer embracing nature at home, if you have a garden spend some time sitting outside, read a book, draw or paint, or just listen to the bird song.
No garden, no problem? Open the windows and let the fresh air in or why not plant some seeds and tend to a new house plant or indoor fruit and veg to bring the outdoors in. Another idea is bring the scent of the outdoors in, through scented candles. You could even complete the atmosphere by playing some soothing natural sounds, whether that’s the gentle flow of a babbling brook, the constant swoosh of crashing waves or the melodic songs of woodland birds.
Embrace Nature Challenge
To help you get outside and connect with nature every day during MHAW get involved in our ‘Embrace Nature Challenge’ and reap the benefits.
Events - online and face-to-face
Our START (Support, Transition And Recovery Team) groups are open to everyone and take place both online and in person.
During Mental Health Awareness Week a number of organised sessions are taking place with the theme of nature.
Note: Microsoft teams can be downloaded for free from most app stores and outdoor groups are all subject to the latest social distancing government guidance.
|
Date and time |
Event type |
Description |
How to get involved |
|
Monday, 10 May 12-midday MS Teams |
Virtual quiz |
Join Hannah for a virtual ‘nature’ themed quiz on Microsoft Teams.
|
Please contact Hannah on 07769 931698 for further details on how to join.
|
|
Tuesday, 11 May 1-2pm Quaker Gardens, 95 South Street, Bridport.
Friday, 14 May 11am-midday Borough Gardens, Dorchester.
|
Talking Café |
An informal face-to-face get together in a public place where you can access advice and support from champions and trusted health professionals. It provides an opportunity to connect with other people, make friends and chat to champions about activities, support groups and services in your local area.
|
Please call Sarah on 07717 422049 for further details about these groups.
|
|
Tuesday, 11 May 1pm Dorchester Library
|
Walking in Dorchester |
All levels of fitness welcome for a ‘nature walk’ around Dorchester. We’ll aim to walk 2/3 miles.
|
Call Matt on 07842 104646 for further details.
|
|
Thursday, 13 May 10.30am – midday Allington Woods (meet at the Allington woods gate – adjacent to Hospital Lane)
|
Mindful walking |
An introduction to mindful movement – with a walk around Allington Woods and enjoy a sensory experience to promote mental wellbeing. Bring your own refreshments, wear sturdy footwear and dress according to the weather forecast.
|
To book your place, email Tanya Remnant: tanya.remnant@nhs.net
|
|
Thursday, 13 May 2.30-3.30pm MS Teams
|
Making a connection between mindfulness and nature.
|
Join us for an introduction to mindfulness and a nature visualisation exercise to promote relaxation and mental wellbeing. |
To book your place, email Pam pamela.goddard@nhs.net |
|
Friday, 14 May 1pm MS Teams
|
Virtual art
|
Virtual ‘nature themed’ art group. Have items to sketch or colour-in ready.
|
Please contact Hannah on 07769 931698 for further details on how to join.
|
|
Friday, 14 May 10.30am Meet at The Car Park by Bridport Football Club, Skilling Hill Road, DT6 5LA
|
Bridport cycle ride
|
All abilities welcome for a gentle 10km cycle ride. Just turn up with your bike, a cycle helmet and refreshments Our planned route will involve cycling close to nature (the woods and the sea) |
Call Tanya on 07768375345 for further details.
|
|
Monday, 10 May – 9.30am Wednesday, 12 May – 12-midday Friday, 14 May – 12.15pm Via Facebook
|
Follow along fitness and cooking sessions |
Follow a virtual fitness class or cooking tutorial for healthy eating ideas. |
Just go to Facebook and join the ‘Follow Along Fitness’ group. Please call Conor on 07826 877538 for further details. |