How natural playspace can improve health and wellbeing

The theme of Mental Health Awareness Week 2021 is Nature, highlighting the positive impact green spaces have on our mental and physical wellbeing.

Published: 10/05/2021

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This year especially, we know that spending time in nature is good for our overall health. When we create outside spaces at Peabody, we aim to make areas that are pleasant to spend time in and encourage residents to be physically and playfully active.

Our Gallions Park Playspace was designed to promote community exercise and wellbeing as well as to encourage children and adults to spend time inside nature. The much-loved, natural play landscape has a range of play equipment including a raised timber walkway through meadow grass and birch trees.

We are continuing to measure the real, positive impact Gallions Park Playspace has had on the community's wellbeing. We have found users are now doing physical activity more often and for longer and that the space has reduced stress and social isolation.

Here's some of the feedback we've received:

"It’s a really calm place, really nice"

"Five out of five!"

"Very nice park for kids. Very green."

Find out more about the links between nature and mental and physical wellbeing and also get advice about looking after your mental health here.