Creating Heart and Sole in Tewkesbury

16/09/2008

Gloucestershire Primary Care Trust is working with Tewkesbury Borough to create a new walking scheme and is looking for volunteers.

The Walking the Way to Health initiative (WHI) is a joint initiative between Natural England and the British Heart Foundation which aims to encourage people, particularly, those who do little physical activity, to do regular short walks in their communities.

As part of WHI, a new scheme is being launched across the Tewkesbury Borough. ‘HEART and SOLE Tewkesbury Borough’ is being launched later this month. In order for the scheme to be a success, more volunteer walk leaders need to come forward and be trained.

Free training is on Tuesday 30 September between 10am and 2pm at Tewkesbury Council Offices.

Dr Shona Arora, Director of Public Health said: “This scheme is a great way to get people involved in some physical activity. Walking can have many advantages including reducing stress, providing more energy, helping manage your weight and keeping you heart strong.

"This scheme also offers a chance to socialise and meet new people and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. I would encourage people to either volunteer as a walk leader or to get involved when the walks start."

Cllr. Gordon Shurmer, Lead Member for Health at Tewkesbury Borough Council, said “This is another exciting initiative and follows on from our involvement at the recent National Falls Awareness Day with our Primary Care Trust partners. Tewkesbury Borough Council are committed to a range of health initiatives and this latest scheme is jointly developed through our sports development team. This also offers a great way to socialise and make new friends whilst looking after your body and keeping fit’.

More information about the overall scheme can be found at www.whi.org.uk. Anyone interested in being a volunteer should be contact Rachel Forbes, Health Improvement Facilitator on 01684 272194 or at rachel.forbes@tewkesbury.gov.uk