Get Walking, Keep Walking
South London
Get Walking Keep Walking helps people in deprived areas of the London boroughs of Lambeth, Lewisham and Southwark improve their health and well-being by walking regularly and independently from their doorsteps.
A 12-week walking plan is supported by free locally based walking programmes combining information and motivation with led walks and other activities to encourage participants who are not currently active enough to walk as part of their everyday lives, for leisure and exercise but also to shops, school or work.
The programme works within pre-existing community groups and projects, drawing participants from their members, or at NHS venues, with participants both self-referred through publicity and directly referred by their GP.
There are also public programmes at local venues such as libraries and leisure centres. Public information puts the emphasis on general well-being, stress relief and other benefits of walking such as discovering the local area and socialising with companions, as well as physical health.
The course begins with an introductory 'Welcome to Walking' session – an informal workshop facilitated by staff about the health and other benefits of regular walking and how to overcome the barriers to it.
Participants receive a pack with a walking plan and logbook to help them set goals and keep track of their progress, a step counter and information about walking opportunities locally. This is followed by the first led walk from the venue; a 30 minute circular walk.
There are three further weekly 60-minute walks using different routes from the same venue. Participants are then left to walk independently, and recalled in the 12th week for a celebration event.
Activities are run by volunteers as well as staff, including volunteer walking ambassadors – keen walkers who already know the local area – and route developers who research safe, easy and attractive local walking routes.
The programme is based on best practice techniques and extensive piloting in areas of deprivation and black and minority ethnic communities. Further and more detailed monitoring and evaluation is taking place on an ongoing basis.
The Ramblers is working in partnership with the three London boroughs and Primary Care Trusts as well as mental health and other local NHS trusts and a wide range of community organisations and projects. Match funding has come from the Ramblers Holidays Charitable Trust and the boroughs.
Get Walking Keep Walking is also being delivered in Birmingham, East London, Manchester and Sheffield and DIY packs are being made available in other parts of England.
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External link: The Ramblers website
External link: Get Walking, Keep Walking project pages
