Men's Mental Health: Outdoors offers new hope

A new charity, Connect Outdoors, is set to launch, utilizing outdoor activities to address men's mental health and combat isolation. The initiative will officially begin with an International Men's Day event at the Venture Centre in Maughold, featuring a range of outdoor pursuits.

The charity aims to collect research on the types of support men are most likely to engage with, noting that existing services have often been developed without men's direct input. Chief executive Kate Bergquist highlighted the underutilization of the island's natural landscape for health and wellbeing.

Activities offered include high ropes, bushcraft, mindfulness, breathwork, yoga, archery, ice baths, and guided walks, all designed to foster connection. The charity's approach is rooted in 'green and blue health,' emphasizing the use of natural environments for improved wellbeing. Organizers will collect survey data at the launch event to identify effective engagement strategies.

Supporters like Gary Thomas, who leads Walking for Wellness, and Douglas barber Joshua Moore emphasize the effectiveness of outdoor settings and informal environments, like barber shops, for men to open up and build social connections. The event intends to introduce men to new activities and available support resources.