In collaboration with Cullercoats Swimmers and Crocs, we are shedding light on how opening up outdoors, exercising, and being kind to yourself can benefit your wellness and mental health.

Founded in 2019, the nationwide Mental Health Swims organization mission is to fight stigma through cold water. “At Mental Health Swims we all have lived experience of mental health challenges. Our community, our volunteers and our back office team. We get it, we know what it feels like to struggle and to find it intimidating to join a group. Our aim is to make welcoming spaces for people who might otherwise find it hard to join in. We are here for your mental health, not just today on world mental health day but all throughout the year.”

In 2022, Frances from @cullercoats_mhs started volunteering for Mental Health Swims to form a welcoming community that enjoys refreshing dips in the idyllic Cullercoats bay. Through wild swimming and friendship, some of the swimmers found that exercise has been a natural and effective aid for anxiety and depression.

With mental health being a priority all year round, the groups offer an accepting space for anyone struggling with their well-being. We went to visit these guys to see how their physical and mental energy has been enhanced through wild swimming at sunrise and sunset. With laughter, support, encouragement, and even cake on offer, we can see how these local swimmers feel the benefit of swimming and the feel-good feeling it gives them.

Take a breath outdoors and check @cullercoats_mhs out over on Instagram.