New initiative to encourage more walking in Angus
Free Health Walks are set to be expanded across Angus with the launch of the Healthy Steps – Angus programme.
The new initiative follows recruitment of a new Health Walk Co-ordinator, funded by ANGUSalive in partnership with Paths for All, GOGA Tayside and Angus Council. The role will help co-ordinate, develop and sustain current Health Walk programmes as well as introduce the new Healthy Steps – Angus.
The new programme will include walks across ANGUSalive sites, such as sports centres, country parks and Angus Archives located out at Restenneth in Forfar.
Healthy Steps provide regular, short, free, low level walks led by trained staff or volunteers. These walks are suitable for those who are currently inactive, living with long term conditions or in recovery from illness, injury or at risk of isolation or just want to come and participate in fun physical activity, connect with nature and make new friends.
Rhona Guild, who was appointed as the new Health Walk Co-ordinator said: “Having retired last year after 38 years in the NHS, with a long Angus career, I know only too well the value of the current Health Walk and wider walking programmes available in Angus. I know first-hand the benefits of activity on both mental and physical health both for my own health and that of the Angus population we serve.
“I am very excited to be working with partners to continue to expand Health Walk options in Angus to widen accessibility, particularly for those who may find it difficult currently to access walks.”
Kirsty Rankin, Walking for Health Manager with Paths for All said: “I am delighted to welcome Rhona as the new Health Walk Coordinator in Angus. It is so exciting to see Angus continue their hard work to develop, expand and promote opportunities for local communities to get active through walking, and Rhona will be an asset with her background and experience in the health sector.
“Participating in Health Walks has been a lifeline to so many in recent years. Walking has the power to change lives and helps people to feel their personal best. It is a great option for people who are inactive and living with long term conditions. Participants on Health Walks enjoy the benefits of being physically active, making friends and connecting with their community and with nature.
“Local volunteers are integral to encouraging physical activity in their local communities, and we welcome anyone who’d like to take part in a local Health Walk or volunteer training.”
Nicola Barbour, Countryside Adventure Team Lead with ANGUSalive said: “The aim is to create a Health Walk Network across Angus, through the successful recruitment and training of volunteer walk leaders, who in turn will create and develop new walks to support a range of needs and demographics in the local areas.
“By creating a strong foundation, this will enable the network to grow, flourish and be sustainable to benefit the communities in Angus for the future.”
People can join the next short Healthy Steps Walk from Brechin Sports Centre at 10.30am and from Montrose Sports Centre at 2pm, both on Monday 10 October 2022.
A full list of Health Walks available in Angus is available at www.pathsforall.org.uk/walking-for-health/health-walks/health-walk-providers-in-your-area?area=85&category=0
If you are interested in knowing more about Health Walks in Angus please contact the Health Walk Co-ordinator at rhona.guild@angusalive.scot.