Stepping Out for Community Spirit! Mayor Celebrates Success of New Walking Group
A highly successful new walking group in Ballycarry has been praised by the Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Thomas Gordon for its role in helping locals improve their health, enjoy the outdoors and strengthen community friendships in the village.
The Ballycarry Walking Group is now one of the largest in Mid and East Antrim. It is part of Walking for All – a major cross-border initiative supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) and led by Outscape.
Since launching earlier this year, the group provides two weekly walks every Tuesday led by members of Ballycarry Community Association. Around two dozen participants from across the local community come together to get active and enjoy time with others in a welcoming and supportive environment.
The Walk Leaders completed their training in May. Supported by the local Walking for All Officer for the region Caitriona Murray-Tait, the Walk Leaders take turns leading the weekly walks, ensuring the remain friendly, safe and accessible for everyone.
During a recent visit, Mayor Alderman Gordon welcomed the group’s impact on the village:
“It’s inspiring to see what Ballycarry Community Association and the local Walk Leaders have created. This group isn’t just about walking, it’s about bringing people together, creating opportunities for neighbours to connect and strengthening community spirit.
“The enthusiasm and commitment behind this group is clear to see and it’s fantastic that so many local people are enjoying the benefits of spending time outdoors. I hope even more residents will be encouraged to come along for a walk to experience it for themselves and appreciate the support of others.”
Lesley Clawson, one of the Ballycarry Walk Leaders, spoke of her experience leading a walk in the local community:
“We started the Go Run Ballycarry in November and quickly realised that there was a need in the community for a more accessible way to come together. Then we saw the opportunity to train as Walk Leaders with Walking for All, which was a great fit. When we first started the weekly walk, we simply hoped people would come along and enjoy a walk together. It’s been wonderful to see the group grow week after week.
“We have people old and young come along each week, for lots of different reasons. Some want to become more active, some enjoy getting outdoors and others are simply looking for company. Whatever brings them out to our walks, everyone receives a warm welcome and it’s been lovely to see new friendships develop within the group.”
Walking for All Officer for the area Caitriona Murray-Tait, who is employed at the Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust, added:
“It was great to have the Mayor join us in Ballycarry this week and experience a fantastic example of what Walking for All is all about. By supporting local people to train as Walk Leaders, we’re helping communities create something shaped by local people and built to last.
“The success of this group shows that when rural communities are given the right support, something as simple as a regular walk can make a real difference to people’s health, wellbeing and sense of belonging. Our walks are free and take place at the same time, same place each week. Walking for All is not only walking in Ballycarry, but right across the region. We would welcome anyone who’s heard about Walking for All because of Ballycarry’s success and is interested in coming along to their nearest walk.”
The Ballycarry weekly walks are among a growing number of community-based walking opportunities being developed across the Mid and East Antrim area through Walking for All, which officially launched earlier this year.
The Walking for All programme is delivered by Outscape in partnership with 15 partner organisations across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The programme aims to improve health and well-being in rural communities by making walking more accessible, enjoyable and social for everyone by delivering short, regular walks in local community spaces.
Locally across Mid and East Antrim, Walking for All is delivered by the Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust. Ballycarry has two weekly walks in the community, with six further walks taking place each week across the area. All walks are currently welcoming new walkers.
