Participants at a recent Healthwalk

Brighton & Hove City Council wants to hear from residents willing to volunteer their time to lead short walks in and around the city.

Healthwalks comprise 15 short walks designed to help people get the most out of walking for their physical and mental health. More than 1,000 local people walk with the scheme each year and trained walk leaders have made a lot of friends including one romance!
 
The walks are an opportunity to meet new people and are particularly beneficial to those who are getting little or no exercise, recovering from illness, or lacking in confidence. They range from under a mile - which takes between 20-30 minutes - to four miles - which average one and half to two hours walking time.
 
Each walk is free and aims to incorporate cafes and toilets although sometimes this is not possible
 
Brighton & Hove City Council wants to increase its 40-strong team of volunteers who have a dedicated co-ordinator and enjoy regular social events.
 
The council is calling for residents willing to volunteer a few hours of their time every week to leading walks. In return they are trained about leading walks with members of the public as well as gaining some interesting background information on health and why walking is good for you.
 
Regular walk leader Ian Nicholls said:
 “I’ve seen walkers who when they started, found even a few yards difficult, but are now able to do a whole circuit of the park.  Some have even ditched their walking sticks!  Healthwalks are also great on a social level with everyone getting together for a chat in a cafe at the end of the walk,  Our walks help some people with long term problems, and help others stop getting ill in the first place!”
 
Councillor David Smith, Cabinet Member for Recreation, said:
“Healthwalks are healthy, sociable and great fun. We need more volunteers to lead these walks and in return they will receive training, learn about the benefits of walking and be involved in a whole new social scene. If you enjoy walking and can commit a few hours each week this is a great opportunity. ”
 
Residents can request a copy of the full Led Walks programme by contacting the Healthwalks office on 01273 292564 or email: healthwalks@brighton-hove.gov.uk or visit the Healthwalks website: www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/healthwalks