A new charity in the Isle of Man is launching a program that uses outdoor environments to support men’s mental health and reduce social isolation. Connect Outdoors will officially begin operations alongside an International Men’s Day event at the Venture Centre in Maughold, where organizers expect approximately 80 participants to engage in various physical activities.
Green and Blue Health Approach
The organization is built around the concept of “green and blue health,” which encourages the use of natural settings such as forests, beaches, and the sea to improve overall wellbeing. Chief executive Kate Bergquist stated that the initiative grew from years of experience in social care and public services. She argued that the island’s natural landscape is underutilized as a healthcare resource.
Bergquist emphasized that these natural environments should be integrated into weekly health routines. The charity aims to gather data on which types of support men are most likely to engage with, noting that many existing services were designed without direct input from male participants.
Activities offered include high ropes, bushcraft, mindfulness, breathwork, yoga, archery, ice baths, and guided walks. The program also provides informal spaces designed to encourage men to connect with one another without the pressure of a traditional clinical setting.
Community Support and Research
Attendees at the launch event will be invited to complete surveys. Organizers hope this research will help identify the most effective approaches for engaging men in mental health support. The goal is to address mental health challenges through activities that encourage conversation, rather than making mental health the primary focus of the interaction.
Support for the initiative comes from local figures such as Gary Thomas, who runs Walking for Wellness. Thomas, a former serviceman and mountain leader, conducts hill walks that allow participants to discuss personal challenges. He noted that many people find it easier to open up in nature than in traditional counseling environments. He added that group activities help tackle loneliness by creating new social connections, with some participants finding friends and common interests that lead to ongoing exploration together.
Joshua Moore, a barber who completed suicide prevention training through the Lions Barber Collective, is also involved. Moore runs Renegade: Cuts and Clobber and stated that barber shops often become safe spaces for men to discuss difficult issues. He highlighted the impact of mental health struggles on families and communities, expressing support for initiatives that promote early intervention and conversation.
The International Men’s Day event aims to introduce men to new activities and direct them toward available support services. The charity hopes to demonstrate how physical activity in natural settings can improve both physical and mental wellbeing.
Source: BBC
