Forest of Dean Walking for Health scheme have received a national award from the Ramblers in recognition of their work to promote walking for better health in the area. We started in 2007 running just three walks. Since then the scheme has flourished and last year alone over 420 walkers took part in 597 free, organised health walks in 20 different locations across the Forest of Dean district.
We were nominated for the the Best Team Achievement Award at the Ramblers President’s Volunteer Awards award by a local supporter, were shortlisted by the Ramblers president, Kate Ashbrook, and then walking enthusiasts across the country voted for the winner.
Kate said: "We congratulate Forest of Dean Walking for Health on their award. They have developed a very well established and popular scheme in the area. Huge thanks are due to the 60 trained volunteers who organise and lead walks every week to help people enjoy the physical and mental benefits of getting more active.Thanks to the efforts of volunteers, Walking for Health is now England’s leading health walks scheme. Recognised by GPs, local councils and nurses, it plays a big role in tackling inactivity and social isolation. Our volunteers are vital to our success. Their daily efforts underpin our work in promoting healthy lifestyles through increased physical activity. I’m proud to be able to convey our thanks through the President’s Volunteer Awards.”
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| Kate Ashbrook (left) presenting the award to Scheme Coordinator Kim Spencer |
We are delighted to receive this national award which is a fantastic reflection of the effort put in by all our volunteers be they walk leaders, trainers, fund raisers, tea makers, committee members or admin assistants.
Thanks to our volunteers, Forest of Dean Walking for Health is going from strength to strength, with the number of enquiries and walkers increasing all the time.
We are growing our links with GP practices and know that this will bring more walkers and, hopefully, more volunteers to the scheme. Above all, we want to be able to continue to offer people in our communities the chance to improve their physical and mental well-being whilst having fun and making friends.
