Get moving this Mental Health Awareness Week

May 13 - 17, 2024, is Mental Health Awareness Week in the UK and Mental Health Awareness Month in the US. This year's theme is ‘Movement: Moving more for our mental health’. Regular movement is one of the most important things we can do to help protect our mental health. 
Our bodies and minds are connected, so looking after ourselves physically also helps us prevent problems with our mental health. Exercise releases “feel good” hormones that reduce feelings of stress and anger. It also helps us feel better about our bodies. It can improve our sleep, too. If it involves other people, like being part of a team, a class, or a group we see regularly, that can also boost our mental health. 

We caught up with our Chemring colleague Heather, who is based at Chemring Energetics UK (CEUK) in Ardeer, Scotland, to learn more about some of their mental health initiatives to support colleagues.  

How do you support health and wellbeing? 

At the CEUK site in Ardeer, we have established a Wellbeing Forum for colleagues. The Wellbeing Forum is designed to optimise the physical, emotional, social, and mental wellbeing of our employees by providing a mechanism for all our colleagues to contribute to our Wellbeing agenda. Wellbeing Forum members have volunteered to collect the views and suggestions of colleagues across the facility to understand how we can support mental health at work.   

Most recently, we’re proud to launch our new Walk a Mile route onsite. As we all know, walking has numerous physical and mental health benefits, and we believe that incorporating more physical activity into our daily routines can lead to a happier and healthier workforce. 

We encourage all colleagues to take advantage of this new route during their breaks. Whether walking solo or with a group, the Walk a Mile route is a perfect opportunity to get fresh air and stretch your legs. 

In addition to the physical benefits of walking, studies have shown that regular exercise can also improve cognitive function and reduce stress levels. So, not only will colleagues get some exercise, but it will also boost productivity and overall wellbeing. 

How did you create the new walking route? 

The Walk a Mile route was designed to ensure the safety of all users with a designated path. The route is marked with milestone posts, kindly erected by our Maintenance Team and made by the great folks at the charity Men's Shed. We donated to the charity via our Wellbeing Fund in return for the support with posts and signage.   

Who are Men's Sheds? 

Men’s Sheds is a nationwide charity that encourages people to come together to make, repair, and repurpose, supporting projects in their local communities. Groups get involved in community projects such as restoring village features, helping maintain parks and green spaces, and building things for schools, libraries, and individuals in need. 

The groups also provide social connection helping improve wellbeing, reducing loneliness and combatting social isolation. 

What are some of the benefits of walking while you talk? 

Walking meetings are also a great way to exercise while still being productive, weather permitting! Rather than sitting in a conference room, taking meetings outside and walking around the new walking route gives colleagues the opportunity for some fresh air and exercise. Research shows that walking and movement can also improve creativity and problem-solving skills. 

Walking meetings are a great way to connect with colleagues and build relationships, too. Walking side by side allows for a more relaxed and informal atmosphere, which can lead to more open and productive discussions.