Wellbeing in Nature calendar 2022

The Wellbeing in Nature calendar (2022) encourages young people and families to get outside and explore the natural areas in and around Ballarat.  

 

“Nature and exploring our natural world, positively impacts our physical and mental health, and promotes feelings of wellbeing and connection to our community” Janelle Johnson, headspace Ballarat Centre Manager and Clinical Psychologist said.

 

The calendar includes photographs from a competition headspace Ballarat ran in 2021 to encourage young people to get outside safely during the COVID lockdowns. ?

 

All photographs are from young people between 12 -25 and they have also provided their own words, a couple of sentences, a quote or poem that describes how nature and being outside positively impacts their mental health and wellbeing.  

 

“The photographs and quotes are inspiring, thoughtful and will inspire you to find your own place outdoors that can improve your mental health,” Ms Johnson said.

Staff and clinicians at headspace have also provided ‘tips for a healthy headspace’ activities throughout the calendar. 

 

The winner of the 2021 photographic competition was Maddi Rose, who won a $100 gift voucher (see below – Daylesford Local).

 

Entries for this year’s competition will open in October 2022, with announcements to be made on the headspace Ballarat Facebook page. 

“An added bonus to the 2022 calendar is a set of stickers designed to motivate young people (and their families) to be active, connect, get healthy, and get into nature all year round,” Ms Johnson said.

 

The calendar is a project supported by the Ballarat HANA (Healthy & Active in Nature Alliance) with the DELWP, City of Ballarat, Parks Victoria, YMCA, DHHS, Ballarat Community Health and headspace Ballarat.

The calendar has been developed with funds generously provided to headspace Ballarat from community fundraising activities and community donations.  

Drop into headspace Ballarat during February for your copy of the Wellbeing in Nature Calendar for 2022. 

 

 

Below: some of the beautiful images, submitted by young people from Ballarat and surrounds