Somerset residents are being encouraged to share photos of their favourite 'Happy Place' in advance of Mental Health Awareness week (15 – 21 May) as part of a new campaign.

The theme for the 2023 campaign is anxiety, and those taking part are being asked to share photos of places in Somerset that help them to feel calmer and happier, using the hashtags #SomersetMyHappyPlace and #ToHelpMyAnxiety on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

The images shared will be used to create a map of "calming spaces" in Somerset, which will be uploaded to the Healthy Somerset website. People can submit their images from 27 April to 15 May.

Councillor Adam Dance, Lead Member for Public Health, Equalities, and Diversity at Somerset Council, said that getting outside and connecting to nature can be great for mental health, reducing anxiety, and supporting wellbeing.

"We hope this campaign will showcase all the wonderful natural spaces that we are so fortunate to have in Somerset and encourage people to step outside and spend time in nature if they are feeling anxious," he said.  

"Anxiety is a normal emotion that we all feel, but sometimes it can get out of control and affect our mental health. Lots of things can lead to feelings of anxiety, and it is one of the most common mental health problems we can face. Research has shown that getting outside is good for both our physical and mental health."

The council's Public Health Team is also asking local organizations such as schools, local businesses, libraries, and supermarkets to set up their own 'Worry Tree' (real or artificial) as part of the campaign. People can write down their worries and how they manage them, hang them on the tree, and feel less alone in sharing their struggles. The tree will be on display in the main entrance of County Hall.

For more information and to get involved, visit the Healthy Somerset website.