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Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is highlighting a major new cross-border walking programme backed by €7.5 million in PEACEPLUS funding, aimed at getting thousands of people in rural communities across the north and the border counties more active.
Walking for All, led by Outscape and launched on 27 February at The Junction, Dungannon, aims to engage over 14,000 people in accessible, led walking activities over the next three years. The programme is open to adults of all ages, backgrounds and abilities, with a focus on tackling social isolation, improving mental and physical health and building stronger community connections.
Locally, the project is being led by Arlene Johnston, the newly appointed Walking for All Officer for Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, who will work closely with local communities to develop walking groups across the council area. Sixteen Walking for All Officers have been recruited across the programme, who will also train Walk Leaders to support the creation of nearly 600 walking groups.
The programme is being delivered by Outscape in partnership with 15 organisations across Ireland, including eight local authorities, the Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust and six Local Sports Partnerships. Sport Ireland, Mountaineering Ireland and the Public Health Agency are associate partners.
Council Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell warmly welcomed the launch. "This investment represents a significant opportunity for our rural communities to come together, improve their health and wellbeing, and tackle social isolation through simple, inclusive walking activities. We look forward to developing vibrant, sustainable walking groups across the district and helping more people enjoy the many physical, mental and social benefits of getting outdoors together."
Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir said the programme was about more than walking. "WFA is not just about walking - it is about inspiring people to come together through shared, volunteer led experiences, strengthening bonds within our rural communities while enjoying the beauty of our countryside at its very best."
Irish person to summit Mount Everest; Carla Adams, newly appointed Walking for All
Officer and Gareth Moore, Head of Participation at Outscape.
Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Dara Calleary TD said his department would continue to support the project and that the area will reap long-term benefits.
Gina McIntyre, CEO of the Special EU Programmes Body, said the programme reflected the purpose of PEACEPLUS. "Walking for All reflects the purpose of PEACEPLUS by creating opportunities for people to come together in ways that strengthen health, confidence and connection."
Gareth Moore, Head of Participation at Outscape, said the programme would bring communities to the heart of their local landscapes. "Trained Walk Leaders will deliver local walks within their communities, supported by Officers engaged by local authorities and sports partnerships."
Dawson Stelfox, Chair of Outscape and the first Irishman to summit Mount Everest, said the initiative had the potential to reach those who might otherwise be left behind. "Walking for All is a vital investment in community health and wellbeing across NI and the border counties of Ireland, rooted in the evidence that simple, locally led walking programmes can deliver lasting benefits."
Further information on becoming a Walk Leader or finding local walks is available at www.walkingforall.com.
