Mental Health Awareness Week: Free Health Walks In Brighton & Hove

Brighton & Hove City Council is supporting this Mental Health Awareness Week (May 13-19) with a theme of ‘Moving more for our mental health’.

Studies show that physical activity can improve mood, self-esteem, and sleep, as well as reduce stress, depression, and anxiety levels.

The council says mental health and physical activity are a key part of their upcoming 10-year strategy for sport and physical activity and they're aiming to 'find the best ways to support people to move more; reduce the impacts of sedentary lifestyles; and improve the health and wellbeing of people in the city'.

Councillor Bruno De Oliveira, chair of the Health & Wellbeing, said:

“This Mental Health Awareness Week, we’re supporting the Mental Health Foundation to get everyone moving more for their mental health.

“Everyone can get the mental health benefits of moving more, and with our busy lives it’s all about finding what works for you. There are many ways you can move more, for free or for little cost and there is something for everyone in our city. 

“It is also a great chance to meet new people, make new friends and feel connected to your community, which also helps support our mental health.”

One way that people can move more is through walking. For National Walking Month, our Healthy Lifestyles team are leading health walks across the city - there’s no need to book, just turn up! 

• Women’s Walk & Talk (1 to 2 miles) Wednesday, May 15, 1pm. Meet at Queens Park, by the pond at South Avenue BN2 0GD
• Sheepcoat Valley Healthwalk (4.5 miles) Saturday, May 18, 11am. Meet at East Brighton Café Building, BN2 5UA
• Brighton Rocks Walk: undercliff geology (4 miles) Saturday, May 18, 1pm. Meet at bus stop opposite Saltdean Lido, BN2 8SP
• LGBTQ+ Downland Healthwalk (2 miles) Friday, May 24, 10am. Meet at free car park off Roedean Road, below Roedean School
• Menopause Healthwalk (1.5 miles) Wednesday, May 29, 5.30pm. Meet at Meeting Place Café by the Peace Statue, BN3 2WN