Teresa Salami- Oru and Tessa Lindfield gave a presentation on the above titled item. The presentation outlined the estimated impact of determinants on health status of population and this included physical environment (10%), health care system (25%), biology/genetic make-up (15%) and social and economic environment (50%). The Board were informed that there were multiple benefits linked to greenspaces such as stress reduction, restorative effects through relaxation, improved environmental quality, biological diversity, better air quality, greater social cohesion, cohesion of neighbours and individuals through socialising, increased physical activity and better utilisation of physical activities such as cycling and walking.

It had been highlighted in recent news that the utilisation of park spaces could save the NHS approximately £111mil per annum and that individuals would need to spend approximately £974 per year to achieve the same level of life satisfaction that they gain from park and green spaces. It was noted that 95% of park professionals were concerned by the overall national lack of investment into park spaces and that 16% of people believed local park spaces to be at threat of urbanised development. It had been recommended to the Board that local authorities and partner agencies should continue to encourage community initiatives that make the most of natural space available, with the aim of improving mental health, increasing physical activity and strengthening communities. It was also recommended that existing green space should be improved along with any new developments including quality green spaces to be designed with active transport in mind. Members were also told that planning guidance for new developments should be specific to consider the use of green and blue space to improve the health and wellbeing of residents and others using the space. It had also been recommended that Public Health and Local Authorities should foster new relationships with organisations to improve the natural environment settings and their uses.

At the conclusion of the discussion members were keen to understand ways in which residents could benefit from park use and ways in which exercise could form part of family life. Members discussed what could be done to encourage parents to utilise green spaces and ways in which physical exercise could be incorporated into daily family routines. Members discussed the good work already in place such as the daily mile, walking groups, pram walks and ways in which exercise could be fun and cohesive as opposed to prescriptive. The Board were reminded that there was a generational change with perceptions of green space and that dangers and health and safety were predominant factors in this. It was noted that more work needed to be done with positive messaging in green spaces and towards the utilisation of spaces for young persons. It was discussed that amendments to ‘ no ball game’ signs deterred green spaces being utilised fully and allowed them to become abandoned or acted a barrier to accessing these green spaces. Members were also told that further asset mapping of areas was being carried out locally.

At the conclusion of the presentation, Members noted the contents.