THIS week is Mental Health Awareness Week, when people across the country come together to ensure that help is available to those who need it.

This year follows the theme of nature and the importance it has in maintaining a good mental health.

The Mental Health Foundation is encouraging us all to notice and connect with nature by getting outside regularly and spending time in nature.

Focusing on the natural world, such as when we are out for a walk or a jog, can help us reduce stress, balance our mood and help us to feel more positive.

Across the country, people will be celebrating the mental health benefits of being around nature in their local community in a range of digital and creative ways.

A number of events and activities will be taking place across Warrington throughout the week.

Warrington Borough Council’s Creative Remedies sessions will focus on nature and mental health, with tutors using music, art and photography to express their own experiences.

You can watch the online sessions on Creative Remedies’ Facebook page, while the council will also be encouraging people to make use of local parks to notice and connect with the natural world.

Organised by Warrington Speak Up, an Explore Your Mental Wealth in the Park event will take place on Thursday from 2pm to 9.30pm in Victoria Park.

This will focus on positive conversations as you walk, cycle or wheel through the park.

To book, visit eventbrite.co.uk/e/get-warrington-talking-manage-your-mental-wealth-in-the-park-tickets-151209251943

Elsewhere, Talking Matters Warrington will be hosting a free, 30-minute Zoom session focusing on the benefits of nature for mental health.

The session will be delivered every day at various times up to May 14, with more details available via the Talking Matters Warrington Facebook page.

Directions for Men, a local men’s mental health support group, will also be posting on its Facebook page each day, with interviews with athletes and artists also planned for the week.

Thara Raj, Warrington’s director of public health and wellbeing, said: “Since the beginning of the pandemic, many of us turned to nature to help us get through lockdowns and heavy restrictions, from going on regular walks, cycling and visiting our local parks and nature reserves as the restrictions permitted.

“Research from the Mental Health Foundation suggests that being out in nature can support the prevention of and recovery from poor mental health.

“We encourage Warrington residents to explore and take advantage of our many local parks, walks and nature locations.

“Not only can residents appreciate our beautiful green spaces, but also take a step toward looking after their mental wellbeing.”

If you are struggling to cope and need support, information about a wide range of local and national mental health support services can be found at happyoksad.org.uk

For Warrington residents needing urgent mental health support, the Mental Health Crisis Line is available 24/7 on 0800 051 1508.

Find out more information on Mental Health Awareness Week via mentalhealth.org.uk