NOMINATIONS OPEN -

NOMINATIONS OPEN -

  • Celebrating the Heroes who Head Outside

NOMINATIONS OPEN -

NOMINATIONS OPEN -

Our Award Categories

Organisational 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.

  • 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.

The People’s Award

  • The People's Award is a unique category designed to celebrate the diverse ways individuals and groups contribute to mental health awareness and support through outdoor activities. This open category welcomes nominations for a wide range of contributions that may not fit the other award classifications, but are equally impactful in promoting wellbeing and connection to the natural world. Whether it's through an innovative campaign, a heartfelt fundraiser, an inspiring book, an informative podcast, or any other creative endeavours, the People's Award recognises the importance of these contributions in enriching our understanding and appreciation of mental health and the outdoors. There will be 6 finalists in this category with the winner being decided by the General Public.

Individual Categories

  • The Inspirational Individual Award celebrates those who have used their personal stories and leadership to make a profound impact on mental health through the outdoors. These finalists have overcome personal challenges and now inspire others to pursue healing, resilience, and positive change. They are role models, breaking down stigma and showing the power of the outdoors for mental health & wellbeing.

  • 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

  • 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 who and we will share his story on the night of the awards. The winner will be chosen by his family and close friends.

    This award has been sponsored by the Skinner Family

2024 Highlight

Take a look at the Head Outside Awards Ceremony from 2024.

Kendal Mountain Festival

About


The Head Outside Awards celebrate the inspiring people and organisations using the outdoors to transform mental health. Founded by Stu Skinner and hosted by Mary-Ann Ochota, it’s a powerful reminder of nature’s ability to heal, connect, and bring hope. Join us in honouring real stories of growth, resilience, and community.