A new grant programme is starting to make South Downs National Park more open to city dwellers to boost mental health.

South Downs National Park Authority is introducing this initiative prior to May's Mental Health Awareness Week, targeting communities in Hampshire, Sussex and Surrey.

Particularly focussed on those struggling with transport costs, the Health and Wellbeing Travel Grants, funded by the National Park Authority and South Downs Trust, offer up to £250 to cover journey expenses.

Kate Drake, Health and Wellbeing Officer for the National Park, said: "National Parks are part of the nation’s support system for health and wellbeing and research shows that as little as two hours per week outdoors can be beneficial to one’s health and quality of life.

"These grants aim to overcome this by providing community groups with extra support to cover travel costs so they can come to the South Downs and have a wonderful, uplifting and restoring day-out surrounded by nature.

"We’ve also identified a number of ‘health and wellbeing hubs’ in the National Park that are ideal places for groups to visit and get involved in nature-based activities."

This initiative is in collaboration with Community Transport Sussex, providing a minibus service to the park. Applications can be made at southdowns.gov.uk/health-wellbeing/health-and-wellbeing-travel-grants/.