London Boroughs of Camden and Islington

Parks for Health

Parks will be inclusive, attractive and accessible for all, reaching those with greatest needs, through building partnerships with the wider health and
voluntary sectors. Parks and green spaces need to be at the heart of the collective vision of a healthy Camden and Islington. They are key to delivering part of the health and social care sectors’ strategies and work.

About the project

The team is working on a sustainable future business model for the delivery of parks as public health assets for the 21st century, linking the health sector strategically and locally to parks. Parks will have management, infrastructure and activities designed to improve and promote the health benefits they offer.

By creating a Parks for Health Toolkit they will identify the existing health benefits of their parks and show how these can be maximised. They’re also generating local case studies that show the health benefits of parks.

The project aims to

Transform the way our parks are viewed so that they’re used, enjoyed and maintained as public health assets for the local community. Parks need to change from being passive enablers of good physical and mental health, to places that play a central role in it. This will:

• Increase people's physical activity levels.

• Improve mental health and wellbeing.

• Increase social cohesion.

• Reduce social isolation and loneliness.