A local health scheme has walked its way to success after being awarded national accreditation by Walking for Health.
The Active Health Walking Scheme, managed by Lancaster City Council provides a programme of local health walks to encourage people who take little or no exercise to become physically active.
The scheme’s most popular walk along Morecambe promenade which has been running for over two years takes place every Wednesday morning at 11.00am, starting at The Battery end of the promenade.
The walking scheme became accredited this month for successfully demonstrating that it met the required criteria which included offering led walks for beginners and following Walking for Health best practice to ensure walks are run safely.
As an accredited walking scheme, the scheme will benefit from being seen as part of a nationally evaluated programme as well as being formally recognised by health professionals, prospective partners and funders.
Donna Swarbrick, Active Health Manager who is delighted with the news, said: “To gain national recognition is a great result for our walking group. Many of our group have medical conditions and our health walks are ideal for low level exercise. They also provide a great opportunity for people to meet new friends and gain the confidence to try out other healthy activities.”
The Active Health Walking Scheme welcomes new walkers throughout the year and anyone can turn up on the day and take part for free.
• Those interested in knowing more about the walking scheme or becoming a volunteer walk leader can contact the council’s Active Health Team on 01524 847540 (ext 206) or send an email to activehealthteam@lancaster.gov.uk