“I can’t tell you how happy people have been” – community groups benefit from National Park grants
July 7, 2025
More than 230 people from across the region have enjoyed exploring the inspirational natural beauty of the South Downs National Park, thanks to a grants scheme.
Seventeen organisations and community groups from Sussex and Hampshire benefitted from the National Park Authority’s Heath and Wellbeing Travel Grants.
The initiative was launched to help local community groups make the most of the tranquil and wildlife-rich landscape on their doorstep.
Following lots of positive feedback, the scheme is returning for a second year, with a particular focus on helping groups who may not have access to the National Park and might struggle with transport costs.
Among the groups benefitting this year included:
- Arts on Prescription – providing creative activities to enhance mental health and wellbeing in St Leonards-on-Sea.
- Crawley Care Collaborative – supporting patients with health conditions and disabilities in the Crawley area.
- Explore the Arch – providing community arts projects in Sussex.
- Arun Sunshine Group – supporting adults with learning difficulties in Littlehampton.
- Age UK – supporting older people in Brighton and Hove.
- ADHD & U – supporting adults and children with ADHD in Gosport.
- Sanctuary – helping people seeking refuge in the Eastbourne area.
- FSN Charity – helping disadvantaged young people in Hastings, St Leonards, Rother and Wealden.
Among the most popular places visited were Seven Sisters Country Park, Queen Elizabeth Country Park, Truleigh Hill and Stanmer Park.
Arts on Prescription used the grant to take 25 people to the picturesque Cuckmere Valley and Seven Sisters Country Park.
Tara Reddy, Project Director and Founder at Arts on Prescription, said: “We are a volunteer-led organisation working with very socially-isolated people, many of whom have been excluded through their disabilities. This grant provided the opportunity to visit a beautiful place and everyone felt uplifted and included – we had tears of joy and laughter on the trip!”
There were a flurry of other positive comments including:
“We were able to take isolated, lonely and people who would never go to these amazing places out in a mini-bus and show them the wonders of the countryside and the huge benefits for their mental and physical health.”
“It supported people to build confidence and consider ways to participate and engage in social activities again. Several commented on how they had forgotten how nice it was to be outside, walking in nature.”
“More than 60 Ukrainian refugees were able to spend an amazing time in nature and to take a break from their problems. I can’t describe how happy they have been.”
Kate Drake, Health and Wellbeing Officer for the National Park, said: “It’s been wonderful to witness the impact that being in the National Park in these amazing green spaces can have on so many people.
“National Parks are part of the nation’s support system for health and wellbeing and this scheme has proven how successful these outdoor experiences can be.
“Transport continues to be a barrier for some groups, so I’m really pleased we’re launching a second year of this scheme to help more people have an uplifting and restorative day-out surrounded by nature.
“I’m looking forward to seeing what interest we get now that this initiative is becoming more well-known.”
The travel grants are up to the value of £250 to cover transport costs.
The grants are being funded by the National Park Authority, with additional support from the South Downs Trust, the official charity of the National Park.
Find out more and apply for a grant by visiting https://www.southdowns.gov.uk/health-wellbeing or email healthandwellbeinggrant@southdowns.gov.uk
- There is growing evidence to suggest that being in nature has positive effects on people’s mental health. Studies have shown that green spaces can lower levels of stress (Wells et al, 2003) and reduce rates of depression and anxiety, reduce cortisol levels (Park et al, 2010) and improve general well-being. Not only can a simple walk in nature boost your mood but also improve your cognitive function and memory (Berman et al, 2012). Green spaces can provide a buffer against the negative health impacts of stressful life events.
- A study by ecologists, psychologists and economists from Griffith University in Australia found that visits to National Parks around the world may result in improved mental health valued at about $US 6 trillion (£4.8 trillion).
- The NHS Long Term Plan puts more emphasis on prevention, including social prescribing.
- Mental illness accounts for 23 per cent of all ill-health in England and affects more than one in four of the population at any time. With over 50 per cent of the population living within one hour’s travel of a National Park, the National Parks can support measures to help improve health and wellbeing objectives. The South Downs National Park has a population of 117,000 people and 2.2m people live within 10km of its boundary.