Mid & East Antrim steps out for National Walking Month with free organised walks led by local Walking for All Officers
Walking for All, a new community walking programme and major cross-border initiative led by Outscape and supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), is getting its walking shoes on. The programme, which is bringing free, regular walks to rural communities across Northern Ireland and the border counties, is inviting everyone in Mid & East Antrim council area to step out this May and celebrate National Walking Month by joining a local walk.
National Walking Month takes place every year throughout May encourages people to walk more as a simple, powerful way to improve their physical health, mental wellbeing, and connect with their neighbours. The campaign reports that people who walk regularly reflect being happier and less anxious and have a stronger sense of community when walking.
Walking for All is led by Outscape and delivered across Northern Ireland in partnership with eight local councils in Northern Ireland and 6 Local Sports partnerships across the border counties of Ireland. The programme aims to engage over 14,000 people in accessible, led walking activities over three years building healthier, more connected rural communities and helping to address social isolation, inactivity and support mental health.
Since its launch in Mid & East Antrim Borough Council’s area, Walking for All is already making a difference. Caitriona Murray Tait, Walking for All Officer, has been working with local communities to establish free, welcoming walking groups right on people’s doorsteps, which are led by trained, Walk Leaders from within those communities. The walks take place every week, and last from 10 minutes to 1 hour, and are open to adults of all ages and abilities.
Commenting ahead of National Walking Month, Caitriona said: “National Walking Month is the perfect moment for anyone in Mid & East Antrim 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.
“What I love most about our walks is seeing people grow in confidence week by week – whether it’s getting out for some fresh air, improving their fitness, or simply enjoying the connection with others. It’s such a simple mix of movement, fresh air and community but it really makes a difference. 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 Mid & East Antrim 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.”
Walks are already taking place every week in Mid & East Antrim led by trained Walk Leaders from the local community. All walks are free to attend no special equipment is required. During May, people are encouraged to search for walks in their local area and register via www.walkingforall.com
Caitriona is also currently offering free Walk Leader training for anyone interested in making a difference in their community by helping others to get active. Walk Leaders receive full support and training, and no previous experience is required.
To search for a walk, register for the programme or find out how to become a Walk Leader, visit www.walkingforall.com
PEACEPLUS is co-funded by the European Union, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Government of Ireland, and the Northern Ireland Executive.