Health · Mental Health · 3 hrs ago
Connect Outdoors launches to support men's mental health on the Isle of Man
Connect Outdoors is launching a charity to support men's mental health on the Isle of Man.
Its launch is being held alongside an International Men's Day event at the Venture Centre in Maughold, where organisers expect about 80 people.
The event offers activities such as hill walks, archery and cold-water swimming to help men connect and take part in something new.
The charity follows the idea of “green and blue health,” which uses natural places to support wellbeing.
Organisers say outdoor activities can make it easier for men to talk and build friendships, helping address isolation as well as mental health struggles.
Participants will be invited to complete surveys so the charity can learn which activities and approaches work best, and the event will point them to available support.
Connect Outdoors is launching on the Isle of Man to use outdoor activities to support men’s mental health and reduce isolation.
The charity is being officially launched alongside an International Men’s Day event at the Venture Centre in Maughold.
Organisers expect about 80 people to take part in activities including hill walking, archery, cold-water swimming and breathwork.
The charity plans to gather research on which kinds of support men are most likely to engage with.
Its approach encourages people to use natural environments to improve their health and make it easier to connect with others.
- Who
- Connect Outdoors, a new charity focused on men’s mental health.
- What
- It is launching with an event offering outdoor activities and opportunities to connect.
- When
- Alongside an International Men’s Day event. The date is not stated.
- Where
- The Venture Centre in Maughold, Isle of Man.
- Why
- To improve men’s mental health, reduce isolation and learn which support approaches men are most likely to engage with.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Chief executive Kate Bergquist said Connect Outdoors grew out of work in social care, public services and outdoor wellbeing programmes.
Connect Outdoors is being officially launched at the Venture Centre in Maughold, where attendees will be invited to complete surveys.
- Expected attendance
- About 80 people
- Location
- Venture Centre, Maughold
- Activities
- High ropes, bushcraft, mindfulness, breathwork, yoga, archery, ice baths and guided walks
- Research
- Surveys will ask which activities and approaches are most effective at engaging men
What people are saying
We have this abundance of landscape on the island that is never used enough for health.
It gives them that opportunity to feel secure and have that ability to open up in an environment that's not oppressive
Nature's not clinical, nature's natural.
The barber chair is a very special place