New Isle of Man charity uses outdoor activities to support men's mental health

A new charity on the Isle of Man aims to improve men's mental health through outdoor activities, the BBC reported. Connect Outdoors officially launched at an International Men's Day event in Maughold, where about 80 people participated in activities such as cold-water swimming, archery, hill walking, and breathwork.

The charity seeks to gather research on the types of support men are most likely to engage with, noting that previous services often did not consult men first. Chief executive Kate Bergquist emphasized the island's abundant natural landscape as an underused resource for health and wellbeing.

Connect Outdoors offers a variety of activities including high ropes, bushcraft, mindfulness, yoga, ice baths, and guided walks. Informal spaces are also provided to encourage men to connect socially without focusing explicitly on mental health.

The charity's approach is based on 'green and blue health,' which promotes using natural environments like forests, beaches, and the sea to enhance health. Bergquist highlighted the importance of encouraging conversation through activities rather than making mental health the main focus.

During the launch event, attendees were invited to complete surveys to help the charity understand what support men prefer, aiming to tailor future programs accordingly.