New walking projects: volunteers getting involved 25/11/10)

Some good news! The Ramblers has secured funding for three new
projects in different parts of England. Two of them build on the
existing Get Walking Keep Walking project, introducing new activities
in Durham and the South West to complement existing activity in
Birmingham, London, Manchester &
Sheffield.

Get Walking Keep Walking Durham is a two year project that's part of
County Durham Sport's Changing the Physical Activity Landscape (CPAL)
initiative, funded by NHS County Durham. We will be targeting adults
between 40-74 at increased risk of cardiovascular disease and their
families, encouraging them to initially take part in a 12 week
walking programme. In the South West a smaller Awards For All grant is
enabling a pilot to be rolled out in partnership with RECOOP
(Resettlement and Care of Older ex-Offenders and Prisoners). Prisoners
from 3 prisons will use the 12 week walking plan to introduce an element
of competition against each other in a bid to improve their well-being.
Both these projects are benefiting from close support and liaison with
Ramblers Groups, ensuring that grant funded projects and local groups
benefit from each other.

Meanwhile, in London, the Ramblers has stepped in to deliver a programme
of Walking for Health walks funded by the Royal Parks and Natural
England. This project further demonstrates the ability of the
Ramblers to deliver a wide range of walks, complementing the
positive relationships that many Ramblers Groups already have with
their local health walk schemes. In London the Ramblers is now
delivering Get Walking programmes, Walking for Health Walks and
Ramblers Group walks - offering something for everyone and starting to
provide a sense of
co-ordination for walkers and volunteers alike.

Tom Franklin

Ramblers - at the heart of walking for 75 years
Please visit www.ramblers75.org.uk to find out more
The Ramblers? Association is a registered charity (England & Wales no 1093577, Scotland no SC039799) and a company limited by guarantee, registered in England & Wales (no 4458492). Registered office: 2nd floor, Camelford House, 87-90 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7TW.
Visit our website at www.ramblers.org.uk