Johann Duffy – Lanarkshire Health Walks Co-ordinator /

Introduction – Co-ordinator Role  Multi-agency project with wide coverage over two local authorities  Lanarkshire is home to;  North Lanarkshire - 326,680 people  South Lanarkshire - 312,660 people  Support existing walks  Recruit and support volunteers  Establish and promote new walks

Project Aims and Objectives  The overall aim of the project is; “Get Walking Lanarkshire aims to improve the health and wellbeing of Lanarkshire’s residents by getting more people walking, more often.”  This will be achieved using 5 outcomes; (i) Increased number of people participating in walking for physical activity (ii) Participants have improved physical and mental health and wellbeing (iii) Lanarkshire residents have a greater awareness of the GWL project (iv) More opportunity and access to health walks for Lanarkshire residents (v) Lanarkshire has a sustainable health walks program

What is a Health Walk?  A short, safe, social, local, low level, volunteer led walk  From 10 minutes up to 1 hour maximum  Targeted at the inactive  Set at a pace to suit individuals

Why Promote Walking? *Based on 30 minutes exercise on five days of the week (data from Scottish Health Survey 2011)

Why Promote Walking?  CVD is one of the main causes of premature death in the UK. Estimates show the main risk factors are;  High Cholesterol  PHYSICAL INACTIVITY  Smoking  High Blood pressure Britton, A. & McPherson, K. (2002) Monitoring the progress of the 2010 target for CHD Mortality: Estimated consequences on CHD incidence and mortality from changing prevalence of risk factors. London: National Heart Forum.

Benefits of Walking Helps Manage Weight Improves Mobility and Flexibility & Reduces Falls Reduces Risk of Heart Disease, Stroke, Diabetes and some Cancers Can Improve Sleep Patterns It’s Sociable and a Chance to Make New Friends Increases Fitness and Energy Levels Improves Mood and Reduces Stress (Greenspace) IT’S FREE & ACCESSIBLE!

Current North Lanarkshire Health Walks LocationMondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFriday Cumbernauld/Kilsyth Area Abronhill Community Education Centre Health Muirfield Centre, Cumbernauld Health Muirfield Centre (1 st Friday of month, Kenilworth Centre) Health Motherwell/Bellshill Area Various Locations within the GreenLink (Bellshill/ Forgewood/ Motherwell) Health (fortnightly) Orbiston Neighbourhood Centre, Bellshill Health (6 week pilot) Wishaw/Shotts Area Community Centre, Greenfield Drive, Cambusnethan Health Coatbridge/Airdrie Area Glenboig Neighbourhood House Health (on hold) Health (on hold)

Current South Lanarkshire Health Walks LocationMondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFriday Hamilton Area Chatelherault Country Park Health (short and longer walks) Hamilton Homebase (car park)Health Hamilton Palace Sports Grounds Health Fairhill Lifestyles Centre Health 11am (6 week pilot) Eastkilbride Area Calderglen Country ParkHealth Cambuslang/R-glen Area Eastfield Lifestyle Sports Centre Health (on hold) Clydesdale Area The fountain car park Lesmahagow Health (short and longer walks) Forth Sports CentreHealth Douglas Arms Hotel, DouglasBuggy Blackwood Community Sports Wing Buggy Strathaven Park, Barrie ShelterHealth 10am (6 week pilot)

Stepping Forward  Two training course just completed in April  29 walk leaders trained 13 from existing walks 16 new leaders  Word of Mouth/Promotion  New walks to follow (Strathaven, Fairhill, Bellshill)

Any Questions??  For more information please contact; Johann Duffy Health Walks Co-ordinator North Lanarkshire Council Office: Mobile: