Mental Health Awareness Week 2021 on Jazz FM

From 10th May, Jazz FM takes the time to reflect on our mental health and learn about the positive impacts of engaging with the natural world

Author: Izzie GardnerPublished 10th May 2021
Last updated 23rd Jun 2021

Tune into nature with Jazz FM from Monday 10th May, as we take part in Mental Health Awareness Week.

This year’s theme is ‘connect to nature’, so we will take the time to reflect on our mental health and learn about the positive impacts of engaging with the natural world.

All next week we’ll be talking to gardeners, mental health advocates and explorers of the Great Outdoors accompanied by atmospheric Sounds of the Forest, provided by the Timber Festival.

Join Nigel Williams on Breakfast, Anne Frankenstein on Midmornings, and Jamie Crick in the Afternoon, accompanied by nature inspired contemporary and spiritual jazz, and calming sounds from the countryside.

Monday 10th: Oli Reed (Mountains for the Mind / Trail Magazine)

We'll explore how walking in the hills is great for your mental wellbeing. Oli Reed from Trail Magazine's Mountains for the Mind campaign, gives insight into this great initiative and how they’ve grown a 14,000-strong community across the UK.

Tuesday 11th: Danny Clarke (The Black Gardener and Grow to Know)

Green fingers help to keep the mind engaged and calm. We hear from the fantastic Danny Clarke, a trailblazing gardener and community leader in south London, who is also the director of initiatives such as Grow to Know, which aims to empower young people through horticulture.

Wednesday 12th: Alice Vincent (Gardener and Journalist)

We hear from author and journalist Alice Vincent, who started gardening from her small balcony in London with no prior experience. Her journey has led to a whole new lease of life and her connection to the earth has opened up many doors.

Thursday 13th: Rachel Boyd (from charity Mind)

Exploring the many ways that we can engage with the outside world, the Head of Content from the mental health charity Mind, Rachel Boyd, shares her advice on harnessing the power of nature for your wellbeing. Plus, she tells us about Mind’s new ‘Join the Fight’ campaign.

Friday 14th: Rhiane Fatinikun (Black Girls Hike)

We hear from Rhiane Fatinikium from Black Girls Hike – the walking community set up to provide a safe space for black women to explore the outdoors. Rhiane shares some personal testimonies from the women who have benefitted from the group.

Saturday 15th: Jazz FM Voices

Tune into Nature with Claire Umney from 9pm. As Mental Health Awareness Week comes to a close, Jazz FM Voices Editor and Mental Health First Aider Claire Umney presents an hour of nature inspired jazz and soul.

To continue your exploration of nature beyond Mental Health Awareness Week, step into an incredible weekend festival of debate, celebration and reflection in the National Forest. The Timber Festival takes place from 2-4 July. Find out more here.

Some useful links to find mental health support near you

Hub of Hope

The Hub of Hope is the UK’s leading mental health support database. It is provided by national mental health charity, Chasing the Stigma, and brings local, national, peer, community, charity, private and NHS mental health support and services together in one place for the first time.

Where's Your Head At

Bauer Media UK, Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England and Natasha Devon MBE are calling on employers, business leaders and MPs from across the country to sign up to support the ‘Where’s Your Head At?’ Workplace Manifesto. They've also provided a collection of advice and services that you can access here.

CALM - Campaign Against Living Miserably

The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is leading a movement against suicide. Every week 125 people in the UK take their own lives. And 75% of all UK suicides are male.

"Anyone can hit crisis point. We run a free and confidential helpline and webchat – 7 hours a day, 7 days a week for anyone who needs to talk about life’s problems. We support those bereaved by suicide, through the Support After Suicide Partnership (SASP)."

The Black, African and Asian Therapy Network

"We are the UK’s largest independent organisation to specialise in working psychologically, informed by an understanding of intersectionality, with people who identify as Black, African, South Asian and Caribbean. Our primary focus and area of expertise is to support people from these heritages. However, we are open to other People of Colour who are affected by oppression due to the colour of their skin and global white power."