Following the roaring success of Meander 2019, Leverndale’s Design in the Dale Group was disappointed that they had to postpone last year’s event due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, but Meander for Mental Health was back this month for 2021! 

Meander for Mental Health 2021 welcomed the local geographical community into the grounds of Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership’s (HSCP) Leverndale Hospital and encouraged people to understand how physical activity can help to improve mental health and emotional wellbeing. We also warmly welcomed patients, visitors and staff from across Glasgow. 

This year’s event was different from 2019 as the routes could be walked at any time during the week, which allowed us to continue to follow current COVID-19 guidance and stay safe. 

Angela Watson, Physiotherapy Lead, Leverndale Hospital who works with the Design in the Dale Group said: “In an effort to reduce crowds and keep everyone as safe as possible, our Virtual Meander took place over the course of one week, from Monday, 6 September until Sunday, 12 September.  

“The feedback from the event was positive. On our launch day we had a couple of groups walking the blue route, and they loved the clue sheet and five senses mindful walk bags that we gave them. I also had several members of the public speak to me when we were putting up and taking down the resources, and they said it was lovely to see the positive messages.”

There are three Meander for Mental Health routes, each starting at Leverndale Hospital’s Gatehouse, and they can be walked any time during the year. The walks range from 30 minutes to one hour in duration. Maps and clue sheets are still available on our Facebook page, and you can refer to these for guidance on accessible routes.

Angela continued: “There’s much to see along the way, from Leverndale’s beautifully upgraded pathways, greenspaces and commissioned mural artworks, to positive messages from our inpatient community, and route clue sheets to promote mindful meandering on the routes themselves.”

This year’s event took place during Alzheimer’s Awareness Month and included World Suicide Prevention Day on Friday, 10 September. 

For further information go to Meander for Mental Health | Facebook.