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 and reduce isolation through outdoor activities like cold-water swimming, archery, and hill walking. The launch coincided with an International Men's Day event at the Venture Centre in Maughold, expecting about 80 participants. Chief executive Kate Bergquist said the charity grew from years of work in social care and outdoor wellbeing, aiming to gather research on which support men engage with most, as services are often designed without their input. Activities include high ropes, bushcraft, yoga, and ice baths, built around "green and blue health" to encourage conversation without making mental health the main focus. Supporters include Gary Thomas, who runs Walking for Wellness, noting nature helps men open up more than clinical settings, and barber Joshua Moore, who highlights barber shops as safe spaces for discussion. Attendees will complete surveys to identify effective engagement approaches, with the event also pointing participants to broader physical and mental wellbeing support.