Healthy Oceans Healthy Minds

Explore the wonders of our blue spaces!

Healthy Oceans, Healthy Minds is an annual initiative that celebrates Northern Ireland’s waterways while promoting mental well-being through activities such as paddleboarding, beach yoga, and litter picks. The campaign raises awareness about the vital role these blue spaces play in our lives and the urgent need to protect them from the growing threat of pollution.

The 2025 campaign will run throughout August. Keep an eye out here for the full schedule. 

The 2024 Campaign

Live Here Love Here delivered the 2024 Healthy Ocean Healthy Minds campaign throughout August. During this time, we encouraged everyone to take a break and recharge by participating in one of our waterscape events.

The 2024 campaign featured over 65 events across Northern Ireland, including sailing lessons, foraging sessions, beach-sound healing, paddleboarding, sand art, bouldering, boat trips, and more. A huge thank you to everyone who facilitated and participated. We’re already looking forward to 2025!

International Coastal Cleanup®

Ocean Conservancy's International Coastal Cleanup is a global effort to combat ocean pollution, coordinated in Northern Ireland by Live Here Love Here. 

In 2024, volunteers across Northern Ireland participated in clean-up events, removing harmful debris from beaches to protect marine life. Participants can use the Clean Swell® app to document their efforts and share their impact using #SeatheChange. Learn more about getting involved here. 

Acknowledgements

Thanks to funding from Belfast Harbour, all 2024 Healthy Ocean Healthy Minds and International Coastal Cleanup events were free of charge to attend. Learn more about their work here.