One in four of us experience a mental health problem in any one year and the additional challenges of the past 18 months have placed further pressure on our personal wellbeing.

But more and more of us are now talking openly about mental health and wellbeing, thanks in part to campaigns and events such as World Mental Health Day, held back in October.

Many groups, organisations and charities have also been set up to support mental wellbeing and communities have been further brought together during the coronavirus pandemic.

One local group helping the community to build mental resilience is the Jurassic Area Wild Swimmers, based in Seaton.

The group was first set up in summer 2020 by regular swimmer Marcela Haas. She noticed that many people had taken up the hobby of wild swimming during the pandemic, but there was no specific group for them to meet or share their passion with in Seaton.

Originally named Seaton Wild Swimmers, the group has since attracted members from across the area so changed its name to Jurassic Area Wild Swimmers – or the catchy nickname JAWS – to better reflect this.

Wild swimming is, essentially, swimming outside in any natural pool of water – it could be a river, lake or the sea – and is has become a popular hobby in the UK all year round.

During summer, JAWS organise regular swims in Seaton – on Thursdays at 5.30pm, Fridays at 12.30pm, and Saturdays after the popular parkrun events.

In the off-season, they continue with full moon swims and their winter challenge, encouraging members to get in the water at least four times a month, for which they are rewarded with a badge.

The group is also very active on their Facebook and WhatsApp groups, with members regularly organising impromptu swims and inviting others to join them.

During the winter, these are sometimes held in Lyme Regis, rather than Seaton, where the flat sandy beach and sheltered bay allows safer access into the water.

Physical and mental benefits of wild swimming

Whilst scientific research is in the early stages, there plenty of evidence to show that wild swimming can help our personal wellbeing, both physically and mentally.

The mental health charity Mind says that immersing the body in cold water boosts dopamine levels and increases the release of endorphins. It can also build mental resilience, helping us to become more confident and boost self esteem.

Swimming is also an excellent form of exercise, can help lower blood pressure and increase immunity, while being outdoors and connecting with nature can have a positive impact on mental wellbeing.

JAWS members have said that wild swimming has helped them overcome mental wellbeing issues, including stress, anxiety and depression, as well as helping them overcome some of the most difficult challenges in life, including miscarriages.

It has also helped with physical ailments including chronic pain and arthritis, which can in turn lead to improved mental wellbeing.

Rob Hughes joined the JAWS group in July.

He said: "I was surprised of the benefit of sea swimming. In the first four sea swims the transformation of the reduction of the back pain was amazing, so much better.

"Suffering the pain for many years, I had earlier this year started weekly physio which helped a lot but not as dramatically as the sea swims has done, which is great as I feel better not using medical care if I can get benefit from something so simple as swimming in the sea.

"In my opinion, being immersed in the colder water helped the 'muscle memory', sending pain messages to be reset.

"Also on a mental health issue, I will agree there are also real benefits from experiencing swimming and bobbing in the sea in a friendly group activity."

Many agree it is not just the exercise itself but the camaraderie of the group that helps mental wellbeing too.

The group is welcoming of all abilities, men, women, those who wants to swim in skins or wetsuits. Swimmers often enjoy a coffee together afterwards and even enjoy 'cheesy chips swims'.

You can find more information on the Jurassic Area Wild Swimmers Facebook page.

How is your local Co-op supporting mental wellbeing?

One in four of us experience a mental health problem in any one year. That's someone in every family, workplace and friendship circle. In the UK it's around 14 million people.

That's why Co-op are working in partnership with Mind, the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) and Inspire to bring communities together to support mental wellbeing.

The Co-op aims to raise £8million through these partnerships, by engaging colleagues, members and customers in a range of national and local fundraising.

The amounts raised will enable the charities to deliver innovative new services in communities across the UK to ensure people receive the support they need.

To help you look after and find support for your and others' mental wellbeing, Co-op created Be Kind To Your Mind. It includes activities from Co-op and its partners as well as general tips and how to seek support from their charity partners, Mind, SAMH and Inspire.

Where to find support

If you need support with your mental health or know someone that does, the following can help:

• Contact Mind for support in England and Wales on 0300 123 3393 (lines open 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday), text: 86463 or email [email protected]

• Contact SAMH for support in Scotland on 0344 800 0550 (lines open 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, excluding bank holidays) or email [email protected].

• Call Inspire for support in NI on 0289 032 8474 (lines open 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday)

• Text SHOUT for support anywhere on 85258