A SPECIAL night-time walk will raise funds and awareness of the NHS.

The NHS Night Walk is set to take place at Longrun Meadow, Taunton, on Friday, November 1, starting at 7.30pm.

It is intended as a 'thank you' to Somerset NHS staff for all they do but also promoting moving more and positive mental health and wellbeing through our workplace offer.

"NHS staff are at the front line when it comes to supporting those with health and wellbeing issues," said an event spokesperson.

"Now there is the opportunity for individuals and businesses to give back and show support for staff at Musgrove Park Hospital and Somerset Partnership by taking part or sponsoring the first Somerset NHS Night Walk."

Organised by Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership (SASP) and Channel Events, the six-mile Night Walk concept came from an NHS working group looking into how to protect the health and wellbeing of their staff who work long and often anti-social hours often in pressurised conditions.

For ore information on the event - and to donate to the cause - visit www.sasp.co.uk/events/2019/11/longrun-meadow-nhs-night-walk.

"NHS staff have already been supporting each other to get more active to help combat tiredness and increase positive mental health in what is often a stressful and pressurised job," said the spokesperson.

"The night walk concept was chosen because it highlighted unsocial working hours and also enabled supporters from outside the NHS staff to take part.

"We welcome anyone from businesses, individuals, families or other sports groups to come and join us.

"The event is free to all NHS staff and it costs £15 per person to non NHS staff to take part, of which half goes directly into funds to support NHS staff."