A new study published in the journal Health & Place revealed that living in large towns and cities near to England's coastline is linked with better mental health for those in the lowest earning households. Our research suggests for the first time that people in poorer households living close to the coast experience fewer symptoms of mental health disorders said study lead author Jo Garrett from University of Exeter in the UK. When it comes to mental health this 'protective' zone could play a useful role in helping to level the playing field between those on high and low income