At Mind Over Mountains, we welcome the government’s announcement of a new long-term strategy for mental health, particularly its focus on prevention, early intervention and supporting people before they reach crisis point. The new Mental Health Strategy for England signals an important shift towards preventative mental health support and improving wellbeing across communities.

For many years, mental health charities, community organisations and healthcare professionals have called for a greater emphasis on preventative wellbeing support - recognising that good mental health is not only built in clinical settings, but within communities, relationships and everyday life.

This shift in focus is something we strongly support.

Why prevention matters in mental health support

At Mind Over Mountains, our work is rooted in the belief that wellbeing support should be accessible, human and preventative. Through free guided wellbeing walks and walking retreats supported by qualified counsellors, coaches and mountain leaders, we help people create space to pause, reflect, connect and build tools to support their own mental fitness, emotional wellbeing and long-term mental health.

Every week, we see the positive impact that time in nature, movement, peer connection and compassionate conversation can have on people’s lives. We also see how many individuals are looking for mental health support long before they reach crisis - support that helps them feel connected, heard and better equipped to navigate the pressures of modern life.

As a mental health charity delivering outdoor wellbeing experiences across the UK, we believe prevention must sit alongside crisis care as part of a healthier, more sustainable approach to mental wellbeing.

The role of wellbeing and early intervention

The government’s new mental health strategy acknowledges the importance of moving from crisis-led care towards prevention and earlier support, while also recognising the role that communities, workplaces, education settings and voluntary organisations can play in improving mental wellbeing across the country.

We are particularly encouraged to see an emphasis on children and young people’s mental health. Supporting mental wellbeing from an early age is vital if we are to create lasting cultural change around mental health. Just as we encourage people to look after their physical fitness throughout life, we believe mental fitness should be approached in the same way - proactively, consistently and without stigma.

Helping people develop healthy coping strategies earlier in life can improve resilience, reduce isolation and support better long-term wellbeing outcomes.

Nature-based mental health support and social prescribing

Nature-based wellbeing support and green social prescribing also have an important role to play within this wider conversation around preventative healthcare and community mental health.

Community-led approaches that help people reconnect with themselves, with others and with the outdoors can complement existing healthcare services and provide meaningful early support in a non-clinical environment.

At Mind Over Mountains, our wellbeing walks and retreats combine time in nature with access to professional mental health support, including counsellors and coaches walking alongside participants in a safe and supportive environment.

As a mental health charity supporting people across England and Wales, we see first-hand how social prescribing, outdoor wellbeing and human connection can support resilience, improve mental wellbeing and help people feel less alone.

A preventative approach to mental fitness

Importantly, prevention is not only about reducing pressure on NHS mental health services. It is about improving quality of life.

It is about helping people feel less isolated.

Helping people develop resilience and coping strategies.

Helping people find moments of calm, connection and perspective before things become overwhelming.

And helping communities create spaces where conversations around mental health feel more open, normal and supported.

Ian Boyd, CEO of Mind Over Mountains, said:

“We see every day how powerful early, preventative support can be. People do not always need to wait until they are at crisis point to benefit from support with their mental wellbeing. Sometimes, what people need is space - space to slow down, connect with others, spend time in nature and begin rebuilding the tools that help them navigate life’s pressures.

We welcome this growing recognition that mental health support must include prevention, community connection and accessible wellbeing support alongside clinical care. If we truly want to create a healthier future, we must help people build their mental fitness long before they reach breaking point.”

We know there is still much work to do, and meaningful change will require long-term investment, collaboration and commitment across healthcare, education, workplaces and the voluntary sector.

But we are encouraged by the direction of travel.

At Mind Over Mountains, we urge everyone involved in shaping and delivering this mental health strategy to recognise the value of community-based mental health support, green social prescribing and preventative wellbeing approaches alongside clinical care.

By working together, we have an opportunity to build a more compassionate, connected and proactive approach to mental wellbeing for future generations. Because mental health support should not begin at crisis point. It should begin long before that.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Government’s Mental Health Strategy?

The Government’s Mental Health Strategy is a long-term plan focused on improving mental health support across England, with a stronger emphasis on prevention, early intervention and community-based wellbeing support.

What is preventative mental health support?

Preventative mental health support focuses on helping people maintain good mental wellbeing and access support before reaching crisis point. This can include community support, wellbeing activities, social connection, counselling and nature-based interventions.

What is green social prescribing?

Green social prescribing connects people with nature-based activities and outdoor wellbeing support to improve mental health and wellbeing. This may include walking groups, community gardening, conservation activities and guided wellbeing experiences outdoors.

How does nature support mental wellbeing?

Research increasingly shows that spending time in nature can reduce stress, improve mood, support emotional wellbeing and help people feel more connected. Outdoor wellbeing experiences can also encourage movement, reflection and social connection.

What does Mind Over Mountains do?

Mind Over Mountains is a UK mental health charity providing guided wellbeing walks and retreats in nature. Our events are supported by qualified mountain leaders, counsellors and coaches, creating safe spaces for people to walk, talk and support their mental wellbeing outdoors.

How can I access support through Mind Over Mountains?

You can learn more about our upcoming wellbeing walks and retreats here: https://mindovermountains.org.uk/collections/mentalwellbeingwalksandretreats