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A free community walking programme is inviting people throughout Newry, Mourne and Down to get involved this May as part of National Walking Month. Walking for All, a cross-border initiative led by Outscape and supported by PEACEPLUS, has already established free weekly walking groups in communities throughout the district.
The programme, which is managed by the Special EU Programmes Body aims to engage over 14,000 people in accessible, led walking activities over three years. It operates in partnership with eight local councils in Northern Ireland and six Local Sports Partnerships in the border counties of Ireland, with the goal of building healthier rural communities and tackling social isolation, inactivity and poor mental health.
Arlene Johnston, the Council’s Walking For All Officer, at a Walk for All event in
Hilltown as part of National Walking Month.
In Newry, Mourne and Down, Walking for All Officer Arlene Johnston has been working with local communities to set up welcoming walking groups led by trained Walk Leaders from within those communities. Walks take place every week, last between 10 minutes and one hour, and are open to adults of all ages and abilities, including those walking and wheeling.
Arlene Johnston said: "National Walking Month is the perfect moment for anyone across the region to take that first step with us. Our walks are completely free, they happen every week, right in your own community and they're open to everyone, whatever your age or ability. Throughout National Walking Month we are also running Walk Leader Training sessions and would encourage those interested in making a difference in their community to get in touch. I'd love to see more people join us this May."
Gareth Moore, Head of Participation for Outscape and Walking for All, added: "We hope National Walking Month inspires people right across the district to step out and discover what Walking for All is all about. Walking for All walks are completely free, they happen every week in the heart of your community, and they are genuinely open to everyone, whatever your background or ability, including those walking and wheeling. We'd love to see more people join us this May."
Councillor Philip Campbell, Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, said: "Programmes like Walking for All play an important role in supporting healthier, more connected communities. With walks taking place locally each week, National Walking Month is a fantastic opportunity for people to get involved, meet others and enjoy the outdoors."
Walk Leader training is also available for anyone interested in helping others in their community to get active. No previous experience is required, and full training and support is provided. The next session takes place at the Cloughmore Centre, Kilbroney Forest Park in Rostrevor this Tuesday, 26 May between 11am and 1pm.
SEUPB is co-funded by the European Union, the Government of Ireland, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the Northern Ireland Executive.
To search for a local walk, register for the programme or find out more about becoming a Walk Leader, visit www.walkingforall.com or contact Arlene Johnston at arlene.johnston@nmandd.org or 07769 161285.
