NHS Trust teams up with Northumberland Wildlife Trust

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This Mental Health Awareness Week, Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust’s Charity has teamed up with Northumberland Wildlife Trust to connect with nature and wildlife.

The organisations will be running two events during Mental Health Awareness Week (12 – 18 May) offering people the opportunity to immerse themselves in the outdoors.

The theme for this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week is community.

Being part of a safe, positive community is vital for mental health and wellbeing. Communities provide a sense of belonging, safety and support.

People who are more socially connected to family, friends and their community are happier, physically healthier and live longer with fewer mental health problems than those who are less connected.

Socialising in nature can benefit both physical and mental health. People with nature on their doorstep are more active, mentally resilient and have better all-round health.

Emily Lennie, Consultant Clinical Psychologist at CNTW, said: “I’ve had a number of service users comment on the positive impact of nature and wildlife on mental health. It can make you feel more grounded and put things in perspective, reducing stress and anxiety. The sights, sounds and smells of nature can slow things down and take you out of your own head.”

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The sessions will provide an opportunity to connect with nature, reflect and reset. They are open to everyone and places can be booked using the link at the bottom of the page.

Wildlife gardening – let’s help nature thrive!

Wednesday 14 May 2025, 10.30am -12.30pm
Location: St. Nicholas Park, in the grounds of St. Nicholas Hospital, Gosforth, NE3 3XT

Find out practical tips and tricks to see your garden and nature thrive. By creating a wildlife-friendly garden, we also deepen our connection with nature, gaining numerous benefits such as enhanced wellbeing and greater mental resilience. There will be a talk and practical elements to this session. Tea/coffee will be provided. This event is supported by Postcode Lottery.

Northumberlandia guided wellbeing walk

Friday 16 May 12.00-2pm
Location: Northumberlandia, Blagdon Lane, Cramlington, NE23 8AU

Come along and join Northumberland Wildlife Trust team for a relaxed, social and informative walk around ‘The Lady of the North’. Take a step outside to support our health, wellbeing and happiness.

The organisations are also highlighting useful resources available to anyone who might be struggling with their mental health. CNTW’s self-help guides, produced by NHS Clinical Psychologists with contributions from service users, healthcare and voluntary sector staff, cover a wide range of topics and provide tools to work through emotions.

Sharon Brennan, Charity Communications and Marketing Manager at CNTW, says: “We are delighted to be partnering with Northumberland Wildlife Trust this Mental Health Awareness Week. Nature has a powerful role to play in supporting mental health and wellbeing and this year’s theme of community is a perfect reminder that connection – with each other and with the natural world – can make a real difference.”

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Jo Burke, Northumberland Wildlife Trust’s Nature and Wellbeing Officer says: “The natural world is so important for both our mental and physical health so, needless to say, I am really looking forward to welcoming people to our Wellbeing Walk at Northumberlandia and the Wildlife Gardening event at our St Nicholas Park reserve and hearing more about their wildlife experiences. We are also looking forward to working more closely with CNTW in the future.”

Northumberland Wildlife Trust manages over 60 nature reserves and helps to create wildlife-rich landscapes and seas by working in partnership with other organisations, landowners and communities.

It is one of 46 Wildlife Trusts, a grassroots movement working across the UK to make life better – for wildlife, for people and for future generations. The Wildlife Trust aims to inspire people to value nature through visitor centres, events, education programmes, volunteering and campaigns.

CNTW is a leading provider of mental health and disability services. Its charity and SHINE fund aim to improve the experience and wellbeing of patients receiving care in CNTW’s mental health, learning disability and neurological care services.

Patients receiving care in CNTW services are often going through some of the most difficult times in their life and SHINE aims to make this time a bit more comfortable by providing therapeutic activities and items of comfort. Donations have helped provide patients with gardening equipment, musical instruments, sensory equipment and yoga sessions.

To find out more and book your place onto the events, visit

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