The health service trial is being led by the North York Moors Trust, an independent charity that brings together the county’s protected landscapes – the two national parks, the Howardian Hills and Nidderdale National Landscapes – where the activities will be run.
James Metcalfe, the trust’s executive director, said loneliness was at “epidemic levels” in the UK.
“We see it a lot, whether people have physical or mental health challenges, that loneliness, that feeling of being indoors, not socialising, feeling detached, has a real knock-on effect, particularly on mental health,” he said.
“What we are doing through the Natural Health Service is giving people an opportunity to come out into the landscape, but to do it with other people, create friendships, joy, laughter, all the things that make people feel good.”
Skaith said he could not wait to see the outcomes of the scheme.
“People feel less isolated when they come into these areas and feel part of a community,” he said.
“This is a great example of how we can use what makes our region special to build healthier and thriving communities.”
