The theme of Mental Health Awareness Week is anxiety, a common feeling that can sometimes get out of control. 

This Mental Health Awareness Week,Scottish Cycling is encouraging cycling clubs to join us in leading a #BikeandBlether ride to raise awareness of anxiety and the things that can help.  

Mental Health Awareness Week, now in its 23rd year, runs from 15-21 May and is hosted by the charity, Mental Health Foundation.   

This year, the theme is ‘anxiety’.Anxiety is one of the most common mental health problems we can face. In a recent mental health survey the Mental Health Foundation carried out around stress, anxiety and hopelessness over personal finances, a quarter of adults said they felt so anxious that it stopped them from doing the things they want to do some or all of the time. Six in ten adults feel this way, at least some of the time. 

On a positive note, anxiety can be made easier to manage. As part of the campaign, the Mental Health Foundation have developed some tips on how we can manage and improve feelings of anxiety and prevent them from developing into a more serious mental health problem.   

Last year we launched #BikeAndBlether, with the aim of supporting clubs to put on rides that are inclusive for all and aim to support positive physical and mental wellbeing.  We know that being active is one of the things that can significantly reduce feelings of anxiety, this coupled with being outdoors in nature and connecting with others can have a positive effect on our mental wellbeing.  What better way to achieve this than getting out on your bike on a #BikeandBlether ride! 

You don’t need any specific training in mental health to deliver #BikeAndBlether rides.  Club members delivering #BikeAndBlether rides are not intended to be mental health experts, instead they are there to create aninclusive space for anyone to come along, have a chat and enjoy riding their bike with others. To find out more about organising a #BikeAndBlether ride you can read our guide to getting started.