The past 12 months have been another fantastic success for the Somerset Health Walks scheme, with a lot of change and growth, providing a variety of physical and mental health benefits for over 1500 people across Somerset.
Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership (SASP) are delighted to announce that they are now the lead provider of all Somerset Health Walks and will continue to manage this impactful programme across Somerset. Previously, SASP looked after all of the walks in West Somerset, Mendip and Sedgemoor, but as of 1st October 2022 became responsible for Taunton and Wellington and then South Somerset walks as of 1st February 2023.
Growing the programme is an important ‘next step’ and SASP are working hard to build the number of beginner walks available to support those who may be new to walking or living with health conditions which may limit their mobility and confidence.
Georgina Hainsby, Health Walks Coordinator for SASP, said ‘We were commissioned in 2022 by Somerset Council to deliver Health Walks across the county, the aim being for everyone in Somerset to have access to a free, friendly short walk within easy reach of where they live, to help them become and stay active. We have a wonderful team of over 150 Volunteer Health Walk Leaders who do an amazing job of making this happen; planning and leading over 50 walks across the county for residents of Somerset to enjoy and we are organising a special thank you event in June to celebrate all their hard work.’
Positively, physical activity levels across the country are now recovering to pre-pandemic levels (63.1%), according to the Active Lives Survey, commissioned by Sport England (2023). Walking for leisure was already increasing pre-pandemic, but has seen a sizable increase in the latest data. With over 1,500 people and over 4,000 attendances every month, Somerset Health Walks play a significant role in providing adults and older adults in Somerset, impacted more significantly by the pandemic and shielding, a low impact, social and health boosting way of getting moving again. Health Walks aren’t just for the older age group however, SASP also deliver Buggy Walks which are a great way for families to get active together too.
Sue, who is a Health Walk Leader in Crewkerne with her husband Mike, has been leading Health Walks since 2006. When talking to SASP about her role as a volunteer, said, ‘Anyone who is thinking about volunteering with Somerset Health Walks and SASP should just do it! If you are unsure whether it is for you, give it a try. There is plenty of training and support available.’
Maggie, who has been a Health Walk Leader in Minehead, West Somerset for the past 8 years, said ‘I like being a Walk Leader as I enjoy taking people out into the countryside on walks they may not know and pointing out things of interest. Everyone feels better for being out in the great outdoors and connecting with nature, plus the social side of walking with a group and having a chat is beneficial too’.
Jake Hannis, Deputy Chief Executive Officer at SASP said ‘We are delighted that for the first time since Somerset Health Walks were developed, we have overall responsibility for all the walks in the county. Walking is an excellent way to maintain health and fitness levels, so it’s important that we do all we can to enable as many people as possible to take part.’