Isle of Man charity uses outdoor activities to boost men's mental health

A new charity, Connect Outdoors, launched on the Isle of Man to improve men's mental health through outdoor activities like cold-water swimming, archery, and hill walking, aiming to reduce isolation. The charity's launch coincides with an International Men's Day event at the Venture Centre in Maughold, expecting about 80 participants. It will gather research on which support men engage with, arguing services are often designed without consulting men first. Chief executive Kate Bergquist emphasized the island's landscape is underused for health, promoting "green and blue health" through natural environments. Activities include high ropes, bushcraft, and ice baths, with supporters like Gary Thomas noting nature helps men open up more than clinical settings.