YOUNG people have been encouraged to get involved in a project which aims to to improve their mental health.

The ‘Myplace project’ sees young people aged 13 to 24 years old explore the environment to boost their mental health.

Run by Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust and Lancashire Wildlife Trust, the project offers young people opportunities to participate in eco-therapy based activities where they can develop new skills, increase their self-esteem, build resilience and improve their own self-confidence.

The calls come during Mental Health Awareness Week 2018 and the trust’s have invited young people to come along and connect with nature.

This can be done by getting involved in outdoor activities that can reduce their stress levels, improve their concentration and energy and boost their mental health and overall wellbeing.

Figures show that one in four people in the UK will experience a mental health problem each year.

Ayesha Rahim, deputy medical director at Lancashire Care said: “The Myplace Project is a great opportunity for young people to embrace the outdoors, improve their mental health, boost self-esteem, and develop the skills needed to gain or return to employment.

“It also offers young people a place where they can come along and meet new people, become more physically active and reduce social isolation.

“This Mental Health Awareness Week we are encouraging young people across Lancashire to get involved in the Myplace project and the many ecotherapy activities it provides, such as nature walks, outdoor art and gardening!”

Rhoda Wilkinson, Myplace senior project officer at Lancashire Wildlife Trust said: “Myplace is helping people to actively manage their stress and mental health by spending time outdoors, connecting with nature and their peers.

“Weekly sessions, incorporate themes of practical conservation work, wildlife walks, mindful environments, growing projects and bushcraft that give individuals the skills and resilience to cope with the modern world.

“So far, Myplace has supported over 30 individuals, empowering them to take action for communities, wildlife and their own wellbeing.”

Esha, a Myplace participant said: “When I come to the Myplace sessions I feel relaxed and excited to get involved in the project and hang out with new people and mix in different groups.

“I think it’s the best thing ever and I like how the sessions are different every time”

The Myplace project is delivered in Preston, Chorley, West and East Lancashire.

It is funded by the European Social Fund and The Big Lottery Fund through ‘Our Bright Future’, a partnership led by The Wildlife Trusts which brings together the youth and environmental sectors.

Mental Health Awareness Week is taking place between May 14 and May 20 this year and is run by Mental Health Foundation.

For more information about the Myplace project, people can visit the website www.lancashirecare.nhs.uk/myplace or www.lancswt.org.uk/myplace-project or follow the project on Twitter @myplace2gr0w.