Healthy living

The environment and health

A number of significant and high profile documents recognise the role that the outdoor environment is able to play in improving the health of individuals with active lifestyles and healthier communities having narrowing health inequalities key priorities for Kent.

Natural England “Growing medical evidence shows that access to the natural environment improves health and wellbeing, prevents disease and helps people recover from illness." 

Take a look at the ‘Naturally Healthy in the Outdoors’ with case studies from your Countryside Management Partnership. 

Countryside Management Partnerships are best positioned to deliver projects utilising the outdoors for health and well being with;

·         Knowledge of local green spaces

·         Experience of running activities from walks, enviro gyms to disc golf

·         Confidence and experience of working with diverse groups

·         Work with communities/local partners to connect with harder-to reach groups

The highly successful project, Naturally Active project worked in Dartford and Gravesham wards with a focus in the most 20% most deprived wards on the health deprivation and disability domain within the Kent and Medway area. Taster sessions and longer term programme were run with target groups with measurable physical and mental well being benefits.

Feedback from the local Health Centre health walks.

“B.H - really enjoyed the walks.  It motivated her to visit some of the places again.  Blood pressure moved from 150/80 – 146/70 and remained stable.  She lost 1kg and 2cm from her waist”.