World Mental Health Day - give us access to green spaces
10 October 2008
Green Cllrs have demanded that the council take action to ensure safe access for all to Preston Park, one of Brighton & Hove’s biggest parks.Cllr Amy Kennedy presented the council with a petition signed by some 324 local residents, asking that the council provide safe pedestrian access into Preston Park from Preston Park Avenue.
Cllr Kennedy said: “Preston Park is an award winning park, and generations of Brighton and Hove residents have enjoyed its pleasures.
“Sadly, not everyone is able to access the park easily. Surrounded by roads, there are not enough crossings to ensure safe access for all local residents.
“Parks and green spaces aren't just important for physical health; they can be very beneficial for our mental health, too.
"Research has repeatedly shown that being close to green spaces has a positive effect on people's mental wellbeing, and taking exercise in green spaces has been found to be successful in alleviating some aspects of common mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression.
“To mark World Mental Health Day, I will be walking the Mind Mile through Preston Park – a new one-mile walk around Preston Park created to promote the relationship between mental health and exercise."
Cllr Kennedy was joined by Cllr Ben Duncan.
Cllr Duncan said: “It’s crucial that we all have access to green spaces - the relationship between good mental health and exercise is clear.
As ward cllr for Queen’s Park, one of the areas in the country with the highest number of mental health problems, I know just how important easy and safe access to a local park is.”
Notes to editors:
Media only: Charlie Woodworth Green Group Political Assistant01273 290452
[ENDS]
