We’ve only really scratched the surface of what the South Downs National Park can offer as part of a natural health service and that’s why our first Health and Wellbeing Strategy is so important. It clearly sets out our stall of what we want to achieve over the next decade – becoming a hub for health and wellbeing opportunities for communities across the region.
Kate Drake, Health and Wellbeing Officer, South Downs National Park
The South Downs National Park Authority has launched its first Health and Wellbeing Strategy, setting out how it hopes to connect more people with nature in a bit to improve their mental and physical health.
The plans include working with GPs, and healthcare and community-based providers to deliver more opportunities for “green social prescribing” - referring patients for non-clinical services that boost health, including as walking or cycling in the South Downs, becoming involved in arts-based activities or surveying wildlife.
The long-term strategy also identifies priority areas in the region where the Authority will work with communities, partners and healthcare providers to help more people discover the wellness benefits of the National Park.
Key goals of the strategy include:
- Developing projects and collaborations that link to the “NHS Five Ways to Mental Health and Wellbeing” – be active, keep learning, give to others, connect and be mindful.
- Working to give access to nature and green space to new audiences, including those from areas of deprivation, young people, people with disabilities, and those from black and ethnically-diverse communities.
- With partners, developing a range of activities that provide opportunities for physical activity; connecting with the landscape through arts and heritage and volunteering opportunities.
- Developing “taster days” to show people the wide range of benefits of nature-based activities.
- Providing up-to-date and user-friendly information to health professionals across the region so they can better understand the National Park, and how to access it for health and wellbeing.
You can access the South Downs National Park's Health and Wellbeing section of its website here. And download the strategy in full by clicking the link below.
