16 May Mental Health Awareness Week 2024
This week, from Monday 13 May to Sunday 19 May, marks Mental Health Awareness Week, with the theme ‘Movement: Moving more for our mental health’.
The Mental Health Foundation has been leading Mental Health Awareness Week since 2001, as an initiative to draw nationwide attention to the importance of mental health. To coincide with this year’s theme, The Mental Health Foundation has outlined the benefits of movement for mental health. Find out more
Local to Hammersmith, we have rounded up free activities you can take part in around town to look after your mental health, from movement to entertainment and connection.
Movement activities:
Guided Walks
Hammersmith BID has launched another series of free monthly guided walks. On the first Saturday of each month at 11am, our regular blue badge guides offer their knowledge of Hammersmith’s rich history.
Guided walks are exclusive to Privilege Card holders, although if you haven’t yet got one, you can apply for free here!
We have a new guided walk series that you can browse here and sign up for. We look forward to meeting you at the next walk.
Move to change your mood with FRAME
In line with this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week theme – Movement – Frame are offering FREE unlimited online classes for all, for a whole month! Exercise to release those ‘feel good’ hormones at your local gym in Hammersmith! Find out more
Lumi Al Fresco in Ravenscourt Park
Regular yoga practice can increase focus, energy and clarity whilst helping to calm the mind. Throughout July, Lumi is hosting FREE outdoor classes at Ravenscourt Park on Saturdays at 2pm.
No sign-up is required, everyone is welcome, simply show up! Find out more
Chatty Tuesdays
Livat Hammersmith are continuing to host Chatty Tuesday sessions until the end of May. The sessions will take place on Tuesdays from 12pm – 2pm in the Livat Lounge, Livat Hammersmith.
The goal of Chatty Tuesdays is to tackle loneliness in our town centre and bring people together. Come along to make new connections and enjoy a chit-chat over a hot drink and a biscuit. Afterwards, feel free to take part in a grounding breathwork practice led by the host, Aliyah.
Entertainment:
King Street Summer Street Fest
Saturday 1 June | 11am – 7pm + | King Street, Hammersmith
Entertainment is often a source of fun for many of us and can improve our wellbeing. Come and celebrate summer and Pride at this year’s King Street Summer Street Fest! There’ll be live music, a food quarter and outdoor seating and over 100 pop-up stalls. Hammersmith BID will be there handing out our self-guided Pride walk and we’ll have some fun, free activities to enjoy too in partnership with Livat, A+E Networks and West London Queer Project. Find out more
Explore the outdoor:
Hammersmith Parks
Exposure to natural light and fresh air has a powerful effect on our moods and it’s been proven that natural sunlight, in particular, boosts serotonin production in the brain – read on here.
Hammersmith is home to a wealth of flagship parks including Ravenscourt Park, Hammersmith Park and Brook Green, to name a few. Take the opportunity to go outside for a walk around the park and enjoy the local greenery. Even a 10-minute stroll can make a difference to your mood!
Hammersmith riverside
Hammersmith is located near the River Thames where you can enjoy a riverside walk. Starting at Hammersmith Bridge, you can pick up the Thames Path and follow the waymarked footpath west along the river to Chiswick. There are also a variety of excellent pubs you can stop at along the way.