![Couple on Budleigh Beach during Great British Beach Clean GBBC 2017 Andrew Brown](https://s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/media.mcsuk.org/images/Beach_RS31004_AndrewBrown.2e16d0ba.fill-1440x450.jpg)
People and the sea
It’s official! Time by the coast and sea – in blue space – makes us feel happier and healthier. Research has shown that time by the sea brings real benefits for people’s health and wellbeing.
But this isn’t a one-way relationship – people who have made the connection between their own wellbeing and the ocean are more likely to want to look after it.
Our health and wellbeing is inextricably linked with the health of our ocean.
![Swansea beach clean, Billy Barraclough](https://s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/media.mcsuk.org/images/GBBC_Swansea_-_34358_-_Billy_Barra.374c06bd.fill-720x390.jpg)
Hiraeth Yn Y Môr
Hiraeth Yn Y Môr (HYYM) is a community-led project working in North-East Wales to connect local people with the ocean on their doorstep
![Kids Rockpool snorkelling in Cornwall Sue Ranger](https://s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/media.mcsuk.org/images/Rockpoolsnorkelling_Cornwall_SueRa.2e16d0ba.fill-720x390.jpg)
Our Blue Heart
We are on a mission to deepen our understanding of this incredible relationship between people and the ocean.
![Waves at sea level Thierry Meier](https://s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/media.mcsuk.org/images/thierry-meier-yDS3sLuSM5c-unsplash.2e16d0ba.fill-720x390.jpg)
Community Voice Method
For over a decade, we've been working with communities to develop a shared appreciation and deeper understanding of the all the ways in which the ocean benefits them.
![Puffins on the Latrabjarg cliffs Iceland Louie Lea](https://s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/media.mcsuk.org/images/Puffins_476345260_LouieLea.a51b9ffa.fill-720x390.jpg)
Working together
Collaboration is at the heart of our ‘People & the Sea’ work. We actively seek opportunities to work with others and are effective partners in a number of networks.
![Bovisand Beach, Plymouth, Devon, 2021, Billy Barraclough](https://s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/media.mcsuk.org/images/Plymouth_Beach_-_33736_-_Billy_Bar.2e16d0ba.fill-720x390.jpg)
The sea and me
We're pleased to share three short films, created by filmmaker Dominic Joyce, and supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. The films follow three individuals as they explore the different experiences which led them to a deep connection to our blue planet: surfing, diving and beach cleaning.
![Tompot Blenny in Deadman's Fingers, Paul Pettitt](https://s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/media.mcsuk.org/images/RS35279_DSC_7432-Edit-lpr.d8fc291d.fill-720x390.jpg)
Marine values
Explore the diverse views and values of communities in these insightful films from our amazing coastal communities.