Cornwall's GPs to prescribe stuff like walking and cycling as part of UK trial

11 councils will benefit from a share of £12.7 million to fund the project

Author: Rebecca Speare-Cole, PA and Emma HartPublished 22nd Aug 2022
Last updated 22nd Aug 2022

Cornwall is leading the way in 'social prescribing', with GPs here to start prescribing walking and cycling to help improve mental and physical wellbeing.

The Duchy is one of the areas taking part in a nationwide trial, to tackle health disparities in the UK.

The Department for Transport had announced £12.7 million has been given to 11 local councils to fund pilot social prescriptions, as well as projects like adult cycle training, walking groups and free bike loans.

Prescriptions will also include wheeling for wheelchair or mobility scooter users, but officials say other schemes like all-ability cycling taster and exercise mental health groups will also be introduced.

The Government said authorities must improve infrastructure alongside the trials, so people feel safe undertaking the activities.

It comes as part of the Government’s Gear Change Plan published in 2020 and aims to evaluate the impact of these activities on individuals’ health, such as reduced GP appointments and reliance on medication.

The Department for Transport said several government departments and agencies, including NHS England, Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, Sport England, National Academy for Social Prescribing, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Department for Health & Social Care, are working together on the project.

What are the benefits?

Walking and Cycling minister Trudy Harrison said the activities have "so many benefits, from improving air quality in our communities to reducing congestion on our busiest streets".

She said: "It also has an enormous positive impact on physical and mental health, which is why we have funded these projects which will get people across the country moving and ease the burden on our NHS".

Chris Boardman, commissioner of National Active Travel, an executive agency being set up by the Government to improve the standards of the UK’s cycling and walking infrastructure, said: "As a nation we need healthier, cheaper and more pleasant ways to get around for everyday trips".

He added: "Moving more will lead to a healthier nation, a reduced burden on the NHS, less cancer, heart disease and diabetes, as well as huge cost savings.

"This trial aims to build on existing evidence to show how bringing transport, active travel and health together can make a positive impact on communities across England".

When and where will the pilots be delivered?

Plymouth is also one of the areas involved in the pilots, which kick off this year and run until 2025.

Others include Bath and North East Somerset, Bradford, Cumbria, Doncaster, Gateshead, Leeds, Nottingham, Suffolk and Staffordshire.

Minister for Health, Maria Caulfield, said: "Getting active is hugely beneficial for both our mental and physical health, helping reduce stress and ward off other illness such as heart disease and obesity.

"The UK is leading the way in embedding social prescribing in our NHS and communities across the country".

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