Some of us take travel for granted, whether within the United Kingdom or abroad. Although travel is becoming more popular recently among all demographics, Black people remain least likely to travel for leisure within the UK. We are passionate about Black Joy and creating the space for it.

On average, while white people travel for leisure 27% of the time they are commuting somewhere, Black people only travel for leisure 17% of the time. In fact, Black people spend most of their travels commuting to work or education. Black people also cover the least distance per year for any reason, more than 200 miles less than their white counterparts.

This applies to both international and domestic travel, with Black people significantly least likely to visit heritage sites than any other ethnicity. Heritage sites include:

– cities or towns with historic character
– historic, secular buildings open to the public
– historic parks, gardens or landscapes open to the public
– monuments like castles, forts or ruins
– sites of archaeological interest

When it comes to international travel, non-white people are actually 38% more likely to travel abroad than other UK residents. However, 91% of these trips were to visit family living overseas. Clearly, Black people are less likely to explore and understandably prefer to go where they know it’s safe. We are more likely to have negative experiences abroad, and according to surveys, one of the most important factors when choosing a place is how safe the destination is and whether they will stand out. There are plenty of stories of people being stared at, being called racial slurs, being removed from establishments etc. because of their race. This isn’t just abroad, it happens right on our doorstep too.

Black people deserve to explore in peace. That’s where initiatives like Etiosa come in. Our goal is to make travel and exploration more accessible to Black people, particularly those from Urban areas who are less likely to receive the benefits of nature. We want to create a safe and comfortable space for individuals to socialise, travel and improve their wellbeing while doing it.

As well as engaging Black people in more travel, we also want to have a positive impact on mental health. According to the Adult Psychiatry Morbidity Survey, Black people (particularly Black women) are much more likely to have common mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression.

Did you know that exposure to nature can have significant benefits to your wellbeing and mental health? Across multiple studies, researchers have found a fascinating link between access to green space, such as fields, forests, parks and gardens, and a reduced risk of mental health problems, improved mood, and increased life satisfaction.

Walking seems to give us an extra boost when done in natural environments rather than indoors and can reduce feelings of anger, fatigue and sadness. Having strong, healthy and supportive relationships with those around us is also important for our well-being. Studies have found a link between taking part in community engagement activities and increased empathy, self-confidence and self-esteem, as well as an increased sense of community.

The Mental Health Foundation states that “Nature can generate many positive emotions, such as calmness, joy, and creativity and can facilitate concentration. Nature connectedness is also associated with lower levels of poor mental health, particularly lower depression and anxiety.“

Being within nature and visiting heritage sites, combined with the physical activity and the community-connectedness that Etiosa offers it’s members, makes our trips an effective wellbeing improvement initiative as well as a great way to promote and encourage Black Joy!

Sources:

1. https://www.ethnicity-facts-figures.service.gov.uk/culture-and-community
2. The Black Pound Report
3. Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey: Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing
4. https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/publications/thriving-nature