• Celebrating the Heroes who Head Outside

NOMINATIONS OPEN -

NOMINATIONS OPEN -

The Head Outside Awards

The Head Outside Awards honour the individuals and organisations who use the outdoors to transform mental health. Through their compelling stories, we’re reminded of the healing power of nature and the even greater strength we can find in each other.

These stories help us connect, reminding us that we’re not alone in what we face. They break the silence around mental health, showing that through the outdoors, we can overcome stigma and find healing, growth and kinship. The captivating stories shared at the Head Outside Awards are authentic, powerful, and show how connecting with the outdoors can lead to transfomation.

2024 Awards Highlight Reel

Our Award Categories

  • The "Outstanding Organisation" award recognises organisations that have made a significant impact in improving people's mental health by harnessing the power of our natural world.

    These organisations are recognised for their role as ambassadors of wellbeing policies, demonstrating a strong commitment to supporting the mental health of both the people they serve and their employees. This award celebrates their impact in transforming lives and promoting best practice.

  • The "Outstanding Community" award honours communities or peer support groups that excel in creating opportunities for people to access our natural world to improve their mental health. Recognising communities for their exceptional efforts in making the outdoors accessible for those with mental health challenges.

    This award also celebrates communities who inspire people of all backgrounds to engage with our natural world to facilitate ways to well-being. It underscores the importance of community involvement in promoting mental health through outdoor experiences.

  • The “Changemaker” Awards celebrates an organisation or individual that has created meaningful change to the way we support people with their mental health through impactful activities, projects or policies. This award recognises pioneers who have increased access to the outdoors through their activities or made outdoor activity more accessible.

  • This category celebrates impactful storytelling, creative campaigns, and compelling media projects that inspire people to embrace the outdoors for better mental health. Whether it’s film, podcast, photography, journalism, or social media campaigns, we’re looking for media that sparks meaningful conversations, raises awareness, and encourages action.

    Nominate someone you admire or share your own media project that’s making waves in mental health through outdoor engagement.

  • The "Wellbeing Warrior" award recognises an individual who in overcoming their mental health challenges, has dedicated their life to improving the mental health and wellbeing of others. This award celebrates their commitment to helping others in their mental health journeys, acknowledging the significant impact of their efforts. This individual will be considered by others to be a positive role model who has improved or enriched the lives of other

  • The Inspirational Individual Award celebrates those who use their leadership, passion, and storytelling to make a profound impact on mental health through the outdoors. Finalists may have overcome personal challenges themselves, or perhaps they've been inspired to take action because of someone they know who has faced mental health struggles. They are role models who break down stigma and demonstrate the transformative power of outdoor experiences for mental health and wellbeing.

  • The social prescribing award recognises all working and volunteering in Green Social Prescribing, Nature Based Social Prescribing, Blue Social Prescribing and Adventure Based Social

    Prescribing for people's mental wellbeing. These community & voluntary groups as well as Small to Medium Enterprises and private organisations are known for creating significant change for individuals who are referred on social prescription.  Experiences can range from improving mental health and wellbeing to being transformational.

  • This award celebrates an individual (or individuals) who have undertaken a significant outdoor challenge that has had a significant outcome in one or more of the areas:
    • Raising awareness of mental health
    • Campaigned for change
    • Challenged stigma
    • Fundraising for a mental health charity
    • Promoted the mental health benefits of outdoor activity

    This award is in memory of Sam Hill whose story we will share at the awards. The winner will be chosen by his family and close friends.

Awards Categories