Paddleboarding prescribed for mental health

DOCTORS and health workers in Nottingham are to prescribe paddleboarding to help with mental health.

The Canal & River Trust tells that groups in Nottingham would receive money to offer people activities to 'boost their physical and mental health', Keith Gudgin reports.

Nottingham & Beeston Canal

Nearly £50,000 has been given to The Thriving Communities project so patients can make use of the Nottingham & Beeston Canal in the city.

These include canoeing and paddleboard sessions together with gardening along the canal, with the trust's Partnerships and External Relationship Manager, Linny Beaumont, explaining:

'Feel happier and healthier'

"Research tells us that spending time by water can help us to feel happier and healthier and we firmly believe that the canal, which runs for five miles through some of our most populated areas, is uniquely placed to help address some of the big health challenges faced in the city."

This is under the umberella of 'social prescribing'.