As part of Mental Health Awareness Week, the Dose of Nature team attended the wellbeing fair at Kingston College, joining staff and students in conversations about mental health, wellbeing and the importance of accessible support.

Throughout the event, we spoke with students about their emotional wellbeing and some shared how the pressures of exam season were affecting them. Together, we explored simple ways to support mental health during stressful periods, including spending time outdoors and connecting with nature. Research shows that time in nature can help restore focus and attention, reduce feelings of stress and improve mood – all of which can be particularly valuable during periods of study and revision.

Students were also invited to take part in a creative activity, designing their own nature-inspired decorations. These personalised keepsakes provided a fun opportunity for reflection and served as a reminder to take regular breaks, get outside and reconnect with the natural world.

We were pleased to share information about Dose of Nature's services and to remind both students and college staff that young people aged 16–25 can self-refer to our service. Those interested in finding out more can learn about eligibility and access support through our young people's self-referral page.

Thank you to Kingston College for welcoming us to the wellbeing fair and for helping to create space for important conversations about mental health. We enjoyed meeting so many students and sharing practical ways that nature can support wellbeing during challenging times.