Beauty spot at forefront of wellbeing scheme

The scheme provides travel grants for urban groups to travel to the South Downs

A scheme to help boost mental health by giving more people access to a beauty spot has been launched.

People who live in urban fringes across Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire will be able to obtain travel grants to give them access to the South Downs National Park.

The scheme is aimed at people who might struggle to pay transport costs and is run in partnership with Community Transport Sussex, which is able to provide a minibus service to and from the park.

A national park spokesperson said the "profound impact of green spaces and being in nature helps manage depression, anxiety, stress and loneliness".

Travel grants are available up to the value of £250.

Kate Drake, health and wellbeing officer for the South Downs National Park, said: “National Parks are part of the nation’s support system for health and wellbeing, and research shows that as little as two hours per week outdoors can be beneficial to one’s health and quality of life.

“This initiative is part of our widening work around green social prescribing, providing a ‘natural health service’ to help people dealing with a range of mental and physical issues."

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