• 

A new health and wellbeing programme is being introduced by The National Academy of social Prescribing for people in Plymouth.

Partners in Plymouth will provide a range of activities in Central Park in the city.

The health and wellbeing initiative will also help people realise the full range of health benefits from participating in nature-based activities. 

Academy of Social Prescribing objectives

• Make some noise – raising the profile of social prescribing 
• Find resources – develop innovative funding partnerships 
• Build relationships – broker and build relationships across all sectors 
• Improve the evidence – shape and share the evidence base 
• Spread what works – promote learning on social prescribing 

Studies have shown that green spaces reduce stress and boost mental and physical health

Green social prescribing links people to nature-based interventions and activities.

Activities include outdoor exercise, local runs, active travel, care farming, community gardening and food growing projects.

Other activities include conservation volunteering, green gyms, and arts and cultural activities taking place outdoors.

Research from the Mental Health Foundation on the mental health impacts of the pandemic showed going for walks outside was one of our top coping strategies. 

45% of people reported being in green spaces had been vital for their mental health. 

Deputy CEO and Business Development Manager YMCA Plymouth said: 

“Many vulnerable people that do not have access nor the disposable income to discover the natural environment around our city, and therefore the Park.

Which is in walking distance is their potential gateway to a green environment”. 

James Sanderson, CEO of the National Academy for Social Prescribing, added:

“The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of being outdoors to people’s mental and physical health. 

We’re delighted to see that the funded projects are already making progress in embedded green social prescribing in local health care.”

Will you be getting outdoors this week? 

Let us know how you are planning to spend mental health week.

• 

Another lockdown comes to an end as we welcome Mental Health Awareness Week 2021.

I think it’s fair to say that I’ve been struggling again as I’m not like them.

I’m being bullied on Facebook by someone I thought I could trust and their alcoholic, druggie horrible mates who never gave me the time of day.

OK I’m in a different social class to these people but I try to give everyone a chance, especially people with mental health issues.

Obsessive or possessive? Wrong again! I’m overprotective. It’s part of my illness, and the way life’s turned out.

Those who suffer from BPD are often misunderstood as they are portrayed as being manipulative and clingy.

Also, I’m not manipulative, I would do anything for the people in my world, and sometimes I feel they need protection from this cruel world with cruel people.

I’m not a game player or someone who likes to hurt people.

I want the best for my family and friends, but sadly, no one sticks around to help.

To all the thoughtless, narrow-minded judgemental idiots who think I’m a lesbian, guess what?

You will be disappointed to hear that I’m not, I have trust issues

I can’t even keep friendships for longer than 5 minutes.

Unlike some, I’m not someone who flaunts myself on social media, has fake eyelashes and is full of lip filler to impress the abusive man who never noticed you.

I’m not one of those pretty girls who needs hair extensions and a ton of make-up to make myself feel good.

A real friend wouldn’t hold my past against me or accuse me of things I haven’t done.

You treat me like a freak for taking anti-depressants and constantly criticise.

When I listen to you and stop taking them, the side effects are crippling.

To all the people that have left or no longer want to know me, it’s your loss.

To threaten and taunt me with the one thing that gives me nightmares and nightmares.

Then you tell my parents and me you don’t want to know me.

Accusing me of following your family on social media.

A friend for life! You’re the cruel one, and I hope you sleep knowing no one would do the kind things I did when you were down.

I’m not like them, but that doesn’t mean I’m not a person who can have fun.

You tried to break me, made me want to end it all, and you failed.

I’m not perfect, but do I deserve to be treated like a killer recluse?

Hated and left like a toy you no longer use?

It’s Mental Health Awareness Week 2021, and I’m trying to put the message out there.

Be strong, and don’t let the bullies get to you.

If you are struggling, call one of the numbers on the helpline page.