National Parks for National Health!
England’s National Parks are vital resources that will sit at the centre of plans to improve physical and mental wellbeing thanks to a new partnership between Public Health England and the nation’s ten National Parks. Free to access and open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, these inspiring protected landscapes are key to improving people’s physical and mental wellbeing.The partnership – in the form of a Joint Accord – follows recent research showing that six million people in the country are not even managing to take a ten-minute brisk walk once a month. It will build on work already being carried out to encourage more people to experience the many health benefits of getting out and active in National Parks. The Joint Accord was launched by Steve Brine MP, Minister for Public Health in the South Downs National Park on Friday 8th September.Public Health Minister Steve Brine, said:“This accord is a win-win. Not only does it help preserve our beautiful national parks, but encourages people to get active, adding years to our lives and saving billions of pounds for our NHS."“Physical activity helps to prevent and manage over 20 chronic conditions, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, some cancers, mental health problems and musculoskeletal conditions. So I am delighted to help launch this Accord, and I cannot think of a better place to get active than in our National Parks.”Margaret Paren, Chair of National Parks England and the South Downs National Park Authority, said:“Whether for mind or body, there is clear evidence that getting outdoors improves people’s wellbeing. Millions of people already enjoy National Parks but with increasing anxiety, mental illness, and physical inactivity this partnership is a great opportunity to build on the innovative work already underway so that more people benefit from being outside in these very special landscapes.”Professor John Newton, Director of Health Improvement at Public Health England, said:"Our national parks provide unique places for outdoor recreation and relaxation. There is growing evidence of the positive impact of the natural environment on health which is why PHE are excited to be working with National Parks England, to improve the public’s health and wellbeing."National Parks Minister Lord Gardiner said:“England’s National Parks are not only some of our most stunning landscapes – they connect people across the country with nature and have a crucial role in improving our physical health and mental wellbeing. This accord is a great step forward and shows how we can harness our natural environment to keep our communities well and healthy.”
Dartmoor – Working with GPs to evaluate the power of the environment for health
This December the Naturally Healthy Project, a successful three-year collaborative project between the Dartmoor National Park Authority and Devon County Council Public Health, based in Buckfastleigh, will draw to a close. Its key aim has been to evaluate the benefits to mental and emotional health and wellbeing of interaction and engagement with the landscapes, wildlife habitats and recreational opportunities the National Park provides. The project has evolved through working alongside partners with the expectation that it can continue as a self-sustaining legacy in the form of a Naturally Healthy support group.
Ongoing project evaluation methods involving Plymouth University are being used to understand barriers and opportunities for engaging individuals and communities in the national park environment. One participant said, “It’s good to be doing something different and be out in the fresh air … Making you feel better away from the stresses at home with other people who share your experiences”. A full report and practitioner toolkit are anticipated for December 2017.
The project will continue as a self-sustaining legacy in the form of a Naturally Healthy support group.
Exmoor – Moor to Enjoy helping to lift people’s spirits and getting active
The Moor to Enjoy project (2015-2018) is connecting local groups from the periphery of Exmoor National Park with the natural environment. Its focus is upon increasing the health and wellbeing of the groups’ members and is structured around the Five Ways to Wellbeing, developed by the New Economics Foundation.
Its intention is to achieve this through establishing networks of professionals and practitioners working in both the environment and countryside, and the health, wellbeing and social care sectors and strengthening connections between them. The project has enabled new partnerships to be established with local authority public health teams, county sports groups and Public Health England.
Mid-project evaluation shows that of the 508 people who have taken part so far, 38% report being more physically active, 74% feel more relaxed afterwards and 87% have felt their spirits lifted through participating (figures provided by Exmoor National Park Authority).