Helping with mental health and depression

Spending time in natural environments can improve psychological wellbeing, stress responses, cognitive performance and social skills.

Coastrek and Beyond Blue have launched a new charity partnership to inspire people to exercise in nature for the good of their mental health.

Every dollar raised by participants goes towards the Beyond Blue Support Service, which offers free counselling, referrals and advice to almost 200,000 contacts each year.

The treks are held annually in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide and participants can select 60km, 30km or, where offered, 15km treks. Events are open to both men and women and each team made up of at least two women.

Coastrek Founding Director and women’s health expert Di Westaway says the benefits of being active outdoors were backed by science.

“We’ve taken tens of thousands of Australian women into nature and there’s no doubt the experience makes them happier and healthier,” Ms Westaway said.

“The recent review of research confirms yet again that being in nature improves psychological well being, reduces stress and enhances cognitive performance, so the whole community benefits.”

Registrations for Coastrek Sydney, which will be held on March 27, 2020, are now open. To register your interest for Coastrek events, visit coastrek.com.au

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