Mindful Moment – July 2026

Love Parks Week

Love Parks Week is an annual Keep Britain Tidy campaign celebrating our local parks and green spaces, the people who care for them, and the many benefits they bring to our health, communities and the environment.

Why parks matter

• Stronger communities: Green spaces bring people together, encourage social connections and support local businesses.
• Better health: They provide free places to be active, relax and improve mental wellbeing.
• A healthier planet: Parks store carbon, provide shade, reduce flood risk and create habitats for wildlife.

Did you know?

• £100 million – Parks and green spaces save the NHS an estimated £100 million every year.
• 20% – People with access to parks are 20% less likely to be physically inactive.
• £25.6 billion – The annual wellbeing value of parks in England and Wales is estimated at £25.6 billion.

Get involved

Visit your local park, spend time outdoors or help promote your local green space using the resources on the Love Parks Week website. With so many benefits, there’s never been a better time to get outside.

International Self Care Day – 24 July

International Self-Care Day marks the end of Self-Care Month, a campaign that encourages people to prioritise their physical and mental wellbeing. It takes place on 24 July, symbolising that self-care is something we should practise 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Self-care doesn’t replace healthcare—it complements it. Making small, consistent choices each day can help improve your overall health and wellbeing.

Looking after yourself isn’t selfish—it helps you stay healthier, manage stress, reduce your risk of illness and improve your quality of life. 

How to get started

Support your mental, physical and emotional wellbeing by:

• Eat well: Choose more whole foods and cut back on highly processed foods.
• Move more: Go for a walk, try yoga or spend time in nature.
• Disconnect: Set aside at least an hour each day away from screens.
• Cleanliness: Cleaning your surroundings can help calm your mind.
• Practise mindfulness: Apps such as Headspace, Calm and Insight Timer can help you get started.
• Sleep well: Aim for a regular bedtime and reduce screen time before bed.

Plastic Free July

What is it?
Plastic Free July is a global movement encouraging people to reduce plastic waste through simple, everyday changes.

Why does it matter?
Plastic pollution harms our environment, wildlife and oceans. Cutting back on plastic helps create cleaner streets, healthier seas and better communities.

Will you take the pledge?
Choose to refuse single-use plastics this July. You don’t have to be perfect—small, sustainable changes can make a big difference.

Simple ways to reduce plastic waste:

• Carry a reusable water bottle or coffee cup.
• Buy loose fruit, vegetables and bread instead of plastic-wrapped options.
• Take reusable shopping bags.
• Skip plastic straws.
• Buy meat, fish and deli items from local butchers, fishmongers or deli counters to avoid hard-to-recycle plastic packaging.

Alcohol Awareness Week

Led by Alcohol Change UK, focuses this year on the theme ‘Alcohol and Me’.

Alcohol can affect more than just our physical health. It may impact sleep, energy levels, mood, relationships and productivity, while increasing the risk of long-term conditions such as liver disease, high blood pressure, stroke and cancer.

This year’s campaign encourages everyone to take two minutes to reflect on the role alcohol plays in their life. That could mean understanding your drinking risk, cutting back, trying alcohol-free alternatives or simply learning more.

Alcohol Change UK offers a range of helpful resources, including:

• Tools to understand how alcohol may be affecting your health and wellbeing
• Practical tips for cutting down
• Real-life stories from people who have made positive changes.