Fitter for walking
North East
There has been a growing consensus over recent years that high 
levels of inactivity are often linked to the environment we live in.
Often, small changes can make a big difference to how people view their own streets – by making those changes, local residents feel more positive about walking more of their daily journeys.
It’s this changes that Living Streets’ Fitter for Walking project will be seeking to make, in five regions of England.
Whether street clean-ups, improving key routes to shops and schools, or making sure seating and lighting are good enough, the project is completely guided by each unique neighbourhood’s needs.
Partnership working is a key element of Fitter for Walking, and all the projects are delivered alongside the relevant local councils and Primary Care Trusts. This strong link gives residents the confidence to expect real changes to be made on the ground.
Living Streets’ Fitter for Walking project in the North East works with local residents to improve the walking environment in key locations in the City of Sunderland, Newcastle and Gateshead and in turn increase the number of people walking in their communities.
The project helps local communities to make practical changes to create a more attractive environment for walking.
It is specifically targeted at the City and Borough councils with the greatest health needs, in order to give local people themselves the power to change their environment, and to give them the tools to promote walking.
In Sunderland, Newcastle and Gateshead, project officers have made contact with local walking and community groups and transport, environmental and regeneration departments of the councils, and are currently working on a stakeholders’ analysis of the various sites.
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External link: Living Streets website
External link: Fitter for walking project pages
