Blackdog Outdoors – a platform for re-connecting people with the great outdoors
Blackdog Outdoors are a national mental health charity providing free outdoor activity and adventure
Description
Who we are
As a signatory of the Mental Health Charter we are actively encouraging people to take up outdoor activities and, to help people on their way, we organise recreational events for people to attend at no cost. The role of sport and recreation in improving mental health is now becoming increasingly clear. The effects of outdoor activities can include stress reduction, improved mood, improved self-esteem and improved health and general well-being.
Our Aim
A re-connection with nature, and the role of sport and recreation in improving mental health, is now becoming increasingly clear. The effects of outdoor activities can include stress reduction, improved mood, improved self-esteem and improved health and general wellbeing. However, there are known challenges that act as constraints to participation: lack of confidence, lack of awareness, anxiety, and cost.
We have established Blackdog Outdoors to remove these blockers, and to support people in spending quality time in our green and blue spaces, for improved wellbeing. We organise recreational events for people to attend at no cost. Details of these events, which are managed by professionally qualified outdoor professionals and supported by mental health first aiders, can be found on the events page of this site.