The UK is currently facing a huge mental health problem. It is having a big impact on adults as well as children. We need to start making bigger changes to give people the support they need and tackle the causes. Surprisingly, simple things like putting on some wellingtons and spending time in nature can be a massive help. The key is to make nature more accessible and do more so people, especially children, can play.
The stats
Priory, one of the UK’s top independent mental health specialists, has the stats to show we’re at a crisis point. They bring together data from important sources such as Mind, ONS, and the British Journal of General Practice.
There are some really worrying stats in Priory’s 2025 report. Firstly, every year in England alone, 25% of adults suffer with a mental health problem (according to surveys from 2014). On top of that, 1 in every 6 children between 5 and 16 will have a mental health problem (figures from 2020). Most alarmingly, the rate of suicides in England and Wales in 2023 was the highest it has been since 1999.
Mental health problems, including common ones like depression and anxiety, have a huge impact on the lifestyle and wellbeing of adults and children. It can result in big problems, including lost working days and difficulty finding a job. Crucially, it can seriously harm the development of children.
What positive changes can we make?
The idea of giving someone wellingtons and telling them to spend more time outside might seem like a funny solution, but there is plenty of evidence to say it helps. In fact, it can improve mental health, the immune system, and more. Even more importantly, it makes people feel a stronger connection to the world around them. This is vital for children, as they will be responsible in the future.
One of the greatest things about the UK is we have some wonderful places to explore. This includes parks, countryside, coastlines, and much more. We just need to do more to get people to spend more time outside enjoying them.
It is especially important to make positive changes to improve the mental health of children. They are at risk because of things like digital displacement and accessibility. In fact, Government stats claim only around 50% of children spend time regularly playing outside when they are not at school. Even worse, the amount of time outside while at school has been declining steadily.
There are calls by Play England and Raising the Nation Play Commission to make some major changes, including banning phones in schools, giving them more resources to provide outdoor lessons and experiences, and making the digital age of consent 16. Even more importantly, they want to ensure that play is an essential feature of neighbourhoods, including getting rid of restrictions like “No Ball Games” signs.
Choosing the perfect wellingtons
JS Hubbuck Ltd has been doing our part to help people explore nature for a long time. We have some fantastic boots, perfect for hiking and other activities. There are also great options if you want tough footwear for farming and other jobs. We can help you choose the perfect style for any need, providing tips on getting a great fit so they are comfortable.
You can have a look at a few wellingtons on our website, but there are more options in our store. Please contact us if you want to learn more or have any questions. You can also pay us a visit in Hexham if you’re local.