GPs are set to offer social prescriptions which will include walking, wheeling and cycling, as part of a new trial to improve mental and physical health and reduce disparities across the country.

The government has awarded £12.7 million in multi-year funding to 11 local authority areas in England. The funding will go towards several pilot projects in each location, including: adult cycle training; free bike loans and walking groups.

The 11 local authority areas that will trial social prescriptions are:

Bath and North East Somerset, Bradford, Cornwall, Cumbria, Doncaster, Gateshead, Leeds, Nottingham, Plymouth, Suffolk and Staffordshire.

Trudy Harrison, Walking and Cycling Minister, said:  

“Walking and cycling has so many benefits – from improving air quality in our communities to reducing congestion on our busiest streets.”

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.”